The African Democratic Congress has expressed concern over the increasing incidents of political violence, attacks on opposition members, and alleged voter intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, raised the alarm at a press conference, accusing authorities of failing to adequately investigate and prosecute perpetrators of attacks on opposition political activities across several states.
Recent incidents have sparked controversy, including Senator Francis Fadahunsi's reported call for supporters of the All Progressives Congress to "kill" members of the rival Accord in Osun State. Similarly, the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, threatened to cut off the fingers of individuals who refused to support the ruling APC. These incidents have been condemned by the ADC as threats and intimidation against opposition parties and their supporters.
The ADC has documented cases involving attacks on political meetings, injuries, destruction of property, and the killing of a party member in various states, including Rivers, Enugu, Kogi, and Edo. The party has urged the Inspector General of Police to publicly account for the status of investigations into the incidents. Abdullahi stressed that every Nigerian has the right to support a political party of their choice and that the government has a responsibility to protect those rights.
The ADC spokesman cited a recent attack on the party's secretariat in Benin, Edo State, during a political gathering, as well as reported gunshots at the residence of former governor and ex-APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. He said the police confirmed the incidents and ordered an investigation but noted that there had been no arrest, prosecution, or public update on the probe.
Abdullahi revealed that just three days ago, the party's members were attacked in Rivers State, resulting in the killing of one of their party members, Kamadiyoi. Similar attacks were reported in Enugu and Kogi states, leaving several party members injured. The ADC has called for thorough investigations into the attacks, including allegations involving private individuals and security personnel.
The party has rejected political violence and will continue to uphold non-violence. Abdullahi stressed that the repeated violence demands a stronger government response. The ADC has urged the Inspector General of Police to provide public accounts of the status of investigations into the incidents, noting that Nigerian laws protect citizens and grant rights for citizens to decide which political parties to support.
The ADC's concerns come as the 2027 general elections approach, and the party is calling for a peaceful and credible electoral process. The party's demands for investigations and prosecution of perpetrators of political violence are aimed at ensuring that citizens' rights are protected and that the electoral process is free from intimidation and violence.
Key points
- The African Democratic Congress has documented several incidents of political violence and intimidation across various states, including Rivers, Enugu, Kogi, and Edo.
- The party has urged the Inspector General of Police to publicly account for the status of investigations into the incidents.
- The ADC has rejected political violence and will continue to uphold non-violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
