ADC Raises Alarm Over Political Violence, Warns 2027 Elections Could Be Undermined
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised the alarm over alleged attacks on opposition members across parts of the country, warning that political violence could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections long before Nigerians get to the polling booths.
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, raised the concern on Monday at a news conference in Abuja, where he alleged that ADC members had faced attacks on political meetings, destruction of party property and physical assaults between July 2025 and September 2026.
According to Abdullahi, the incidents were reported in Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Osun, Kogi and Enugu states, although responsibility for the reported incidents has not been conclusively established in every case.
For the party, the concern goes beyond damaged offices or disrupted meetings. ADC said the attacks are creating an environment in which ordinary citizens may become afraid to attend political meetings, support candidates or openly participate in the electoral process.
Abdullahi recalled the February attack on the ADC Secretariat in Benin City, Edo State, during a political gathering, as well as reported gunshots and damage at the residence of former Edo Governor and ADC chieftain, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. The Edo State Police Command confirmed the incidents at the time and ordered an investigation.
He, however, said the party was yet to receive satisfactory information on the outcome of the investigation, including arrests or prosecution.
The ADC spokesman further alleged that three days before Monday’s briefing, party members preparing for a political meeting in Community Ward One, Odua Local Government Area of Rivers State, were attacked, resulting in the death of a member identified as Kamadiyoi.
He also cited alleged attacks in Enugu and two wards in Kogi State, which he said left several ADC members injured and hospitalised.
Abdullahi called on the Inspector-General of Police to publicly disclose the status of investigations into the reported attacks, stressing that political parties and their supporters should be able to organise lawful meetings without fear.
“The public should not have to accept that holding a political meeting in Nigeria is an activity for which you need to take a life insurance,” he said.
The party said it is maintaining a central record of reported incidents, including witness accounts, photographs, videos, medical reports and complaints made to law enforcement authorities.
Abdullahi said the records would be used to pursue appropriate legal and institutional channels, including engagements with the National Human Rights Commission, ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, African Union and other relevant partners.
He stressed that the credibility of the 2027 elections should not be measured only by what happens on election day, but also by whether political parties can campaign, hold meetings, reach voters and display campaign materials without intimidation.
The ADC also called for greater attention from security agencies and electoral authorities to the safety of political activities in the months leading to the election, arguing that a peaceful and inclusive electoral process requires citizens to participate without fear.
