By George Mgbeleke<\/p>\n
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and security agencies of complicity in a rising wave of political violence and voter intimidation across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.<\/p>\n
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said every Nigerian has a constitutional right to support any party of choice, and every registered party has a right to organize and campaign without fear.<\/p>\n
“The Nigerian police is not APC police; it is the police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Abdullahi said.<\/p>\n
*Pattern of Attacks Documented*<\/p>\n
Abdullahi said the ADC has documented incidents between July 2025 and September 2026 across Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Osun, Kogi and Enugu states.<\/p>\n
He recalled the attack on the ADC Secretariat in Benin in February during a political gathering, and gunshots at the residence of former Governor John Odigie-Oyegun where political leaders had gathered. He said the Edo Police Command confirmed the attack and promised investigation, but since February there has been “no arrest, no prosecution, and no report.”<\/p>\n
According to him, the violence has intensified in recent days:<\/p>\n
– In Rivers State, three days ago in Community Ward One, Odual LGA, home of the ADC vice presidential candidate, an attack on members preparing for a meeting led to the killing of a member identified as Kamadiyoi.
\n– In Enugu, armed men disrupted an opposition gathering with injuries recorded.
\n– In Kogi State, about five days ago, thugs suspected to be acting for the APC attacked ADC members in two wards, leaving several hospitalized.<\/p>\n
*Inciting Rhetoric*<\/p>\n
Abdullahi also pointed to what he called inciting rhetoric from APC members, saying it started with President Bola Tinubu’s statement that “all is fair in politics,” which he said has provided a “philosophical background” for thugs to act.<\/p>\n
He listed:
\n– A commissioner, Kosain Abuba, who allegedly threatened amputation of arms against those who refuse to vote APC.
\n– The Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Danjuma Shekulo, who allegedly told residents to vacate the council if they will not vote APC.
\n– Senator Fadehusin Francis in Osun, who allegedly called on supporters to “look out for members of opposition and kill them,” and later claimed it was metaphorical.
\n– An APC woman leader who allegedly said women whose husbands do not support APC should divorce them.<\/p>\n
“What we are saying is that a record of repeated violence against lawful political activity demands serious government response, which we are not seeing. So it’s either government is sanctioning what is happening, or they are saying that they are powerless and incompetent to stop it,” Abdullahi said.<\/p>\n
*ADC’s Demands and Next Steps*<\/p>\n
The party demanded that the Inspector General of Police provide a public account of all investigations into political violence. It said it maintains a central record with dates, locations, witness accounts, photos, videos, medical reports and police complaints.<\/p>\n
Abdullahi said the party will preserve evidence and engage the National Human Rights Commission, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, the African Union and international human rights bodies, while protecting witnesses.<\/p>\n
He also warned international observers, including ECOWAS, that assessment of 2027 should not be limited to election day.<\/p>\n
“Look around Abuja; the only posters and billboard you see is that of the ruling party,” he said, alleging that states now charge up to N200 million for billboards to shut out opposition. “The election is not free and fair if opposition parties cannot campaign freely.”<\/p>\n
Addressing President Tinubu directly, Abdullahi asked him to withdraw or clarify his “all is fair in politics” statement:<\/p>\n
“You need to come out to say you actually did not incite violence… You have that duty to the Constitution.”
\nFielding questions on the allegation that the Federal Government is sponsoring the attacks?
\nbdullahi said the party is not making a direct accusation of sponsorship in every case, but noted that “where attacks occur around announced meetings, the opening of party offices, movement of certain political leaders… the authorities must examine whether adequate preventive arrangements were made.” He added that the failure to investigate and prosecute gives cause to believe the government is either sanctioning it or is incompetent to stop it.<\/p>\n
On What ADC will do if attacks continue? Will you resort to self-defence?*
\nHe stressed that the ADC stands for non-violence and that National Chairman Senator David Mark has directed that no candidate should engage in divisive rhetoric. However, he warned: “We are not crying. We are only serving notice, because when the state refuses to protect citizens, citizens have the right to embark on self-help before the condition degenerates into that… We cannot control how people will respond when they are being attacked.”<\/p>\n
Are you saying you may not accept the 2027 election result?*
\nAbdullahi said the integrity of 2027 is already being undermined by denial of campaign space and intimidation. “We are not going to wait for you to come on election day and tell us that voters arrived on time, materials arrived on time, there were no incidents anywhere, and tell us that the election is free and fair… This will form the basis whether we accept the outcome of the 2027 election.”<\/p>\n
On What concrete evidence the party has
\nHe said the party has compiled witness accounts, photographic and video evidence, medical documentations and records of complaints submitted to law enforcement. “We are keeping records. We are documenting every single incident. All those who hide under the authority of the state today… no matter how long it takes, they will face the consequence.”<\/p>\n
He added,”We want to know where they have promised us that they are investigating, it’s about time we know the results of those investigations. People have been killed, people have been maimed, properties have been burned and destroyed.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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