The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over alleged escalating political violence against opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, warned that growing political violence and coordinated attacks against opposition members threaten to compromise the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
According to Abdullahi, the ADC has documented incidents involving political violence, intimidation, destruction of party property, and attacks on its members in several states between July 2025 and September 2026. The states where incidents were recorded include Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Osun, Kogi, and Enugu.
The ADC National Publicity Secretary demanded that the Nigeria Police Force publicly account for investigations into reported attacks on opposition meetings, members, and facilities across the country. He cited the February attack on the ADC secretariat in Benin City, Edo State, as well as the reported attack at the residence of former Edo governor and former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun.
Abdullahi also alleged that an ADC member, identified as Kamadiyoi, was killed three days ago when party members preparing for a political meeting in Community Ward One, Odua Local Government Area of Rivers State, were attacked. Similar attacks had been reported in Enugu and Kogi, with several members allegedly injured.
The ADC spokesman called on the Inspector-General of Police to provide a public account of investigations into the incidents. He expressed concern that state police could potentially be "weaponized" against opposition parties if adequate safeguards were not put in place.
Abdullahi stated that the party had imposed strict rules on its members against violence and inflammatory rhetoric. He said the party's position was clearly stated in its policy document, popularly known as the Orange Book, which commits the ADC to rejecting violence in all forms.
Abdullahi issued a warning, stating that the party would direct its members to defend themselves against further attacks if the situation continued. He maintained that failure by security agencies to protect opposition members could encourage people to resort to self-help.
Key points
- The African Democratic Congress warns that rising violence against opposition parties may compromise the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
- The party demands that the Nigeria Police Force publicly account for investigations into reported attacks on opposition meetings, members, and facilities.
- The ADC warns that failure by security agencies to protect opposition members could encourage people to resort to self-help.
