ADC demands investigation into political violence ahead of 2027 elections

African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concern over alleged attacks on opposition political parties, political intimidation and threats to citizens ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made this known at a news conference on Monday in Abuja, where he presented documented incidents of alleged political violence against the party across some states.

Abdullahi said every Nigerian had the right to support a political party of choice, while registered political parties were entitled to organise meetings and conduct lawful activities without intimidation.

He said the government had a responsibility to protect those rights, while the police must enforce the law without regard to political affiliation.

He said the party’s memorandum examined incidents reported between July 2025 and September 2026 across Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Osun, Kogi and Enugu states.

According to him, the incidents included attacks on political meetings, destruction of party properties, assaults on political participants and threats against citizens over their political preferences.

Abdullahi cited the February attack on the ADC Secretariat in Benin, Edo, during a political gathering, as well as reported gunshots at the residence of former Edo governor and former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

He said although the Edo Police Command confirmed the attack, reported damage at Oyegun’s residence and ordered an investigation, the party was yet to receive information on arrests, prosecution or the outcome of the probe.

“Since February, nothing has happened. No arrest, no prosecution and no report of what actually happened in the course of the investigation,” he said.

The ADC spokesman also alleged that party members were attacked in Rivers, while preparing for a political meeting resulting in the death of a member.

Abdullahi further alleged that ADC members preparing for meetings in two wards in Kogi were attacked, leaving several people injured.

He called for investigations into the incidents, including allegations involving private individuals and public security personnel suspected of complicity or failure to prevent the attacks.

Abdullahi also expressed concern over alleged inflammatory statements by some members of the ruling party, saying such rhetoric could heighten political tension ahead of the elections.

He referenced reported comments by political actors in Imo, the Federal Capital Territory, Edo and Osun, which he said involved threats of physical punishment, eviction or violence against citizens based on political affiliation.

The ADC spokesman urged authorities to investigate such statements and ensure that political actors were held accountable where their conduct violated the law.

He said the party was not calling for special treatment but demanding the enforcement of existing constitutional protections for citizens and political organisations.

Abdullahi said ADC remained committed to nonviolence and had instructed its candidates and members to avoid rhetoric capable of inciting violence or deepening ethnic and religious divisions.

He, however, warned that continued attacks and the perceived failure of security agencies to protect citizens could lead to dangerous consequences.

“We cannot control how people will respond when they have been attacked and that is why we are serving this notice,” he added.

He disclosed that the party maintained a central record of reported incidents, including dates, locations, witness accounts, photographic and video evidence, medical documentation and complaints submitted to law enforcement agencies.

“We keep records. We document every single incident,” he said, adding that the party would engage relevant national, regional and international institutions to ensure that complaints received appropriate attention.

Abdullahi urged Nigeria’s international partners, including ECOWAS, to assess not only events on election day but also the conditions under which political parties organised and citizens participated in the months preceding the 2027 elections.

He said issues such as the protection of political meetings, investigation of complaints, freedom to campaign and impartiality of security agencies should form part of any assessment of electoral credibility.

“An election is not free and fair if opposition parties cannot campaign freely, hold meetings or advertise their candidates and political parties,” he added.

Abdullahi urged the President to protect all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations or voting preferences.

He also expressed concern over proposals for state police, warning that the institution could be weaponised against opposition parties if adequate safeguards were not established(NAN)(