The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over alleged attacks on its members and other opposition parties, citing incidents in nine states. National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, addressed a press conference in Abuja, highlighting the increasing political violence and intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections. He emphasized that every Nigerian has the right to support a party of their choice and every registered party has the right to organize and conduct lawful activities.
According to Abdullahi, between July 2025 and September 2026, the ADC documented several incidents of attacks on opposition meetings, destruction of party property, and assault on participants. The affected states include Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Osun, Kogi, and Enugu. He cited a specific incident in Edo State, where the ADC secretariat in Benin was attacked in February during a political gathering, and gunshots were reported at the residence of former governor Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
Abdullahi mentioned that the Edo Police Command confirmed the attacks and ordered an investigation, but no arrests or prosecutions have been made. He also reported a recent attack in Rivers State, where a party member, Kamadiyoi, was killed while preparing for a meeting. Additionally, he cited the disruption of an opposition gathering in Enugu, resulting in injuries, and attacks on ADC members in Kogi State, leaving several members hospitalized.
The ADC National Publicity Secretary faulted what he described as inflammatory rhetoric by some APC members, including threats of physical punishment and eviction for not supporting the APC. He alleged that some individuals were invited by the police and released after claiming their statements were metaphorical, without facing prosecution. Abdullahi also mentioned that an APC woman leader called for divorce against women whose husbands did not support the APC.
Abdullahi called on the Inspector-General of Police to provide a public account of the status of investigations into the attacks. He stated that the ADC maintains a central record of incidents, including dates, locations, and witness accounts, and would pursue petitions and judicial remedies. The party also urged international partners and the ECOWAS delegation to assess pre-election conditions, including the protection of meetings and the impartiality of security agents.
The ADC alleged that opposition parties faced challenges in accessing advertising space, with only ruling-party billboards visible in Abuja. Some states demanded up to N200 million for a billboard, thereby tilting the playing field. Abdullahi emphasized that the election cannot be considered free and fair if opposition parties cannot campaign freely, hold meetings, or advertise their candidates.
Abdullahi asked President Bola Tinubu to clarify his statement that "all is fair in politics," which he said was being used to justify violence. He urged the President and APC to condemn the attacks and reiterated that the ADC does not support violence. The party's National Chairman, Senator David Mark, had directed candidates to avoid divisive rhetoric.
Key points
- ADC reports attacks on members in nine states, demands action from IGP
- Party cites increasing political violence and intimidation ahead of 2027 elections
- ADC urges President Tinubu to clarify statement on politics and condemn attacks
