ADC raises concerns over attacks on opposition supporters ahead of 2027

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over alleged political violence, voter intimidation and attacks on opposition supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party had documented several incidents involving attacks on political meetings, destruction of party property, assaults and threats against people because of their political choices.

“Let me begin with a simple proposition. Every Nigerian has the right to support a political party of their choice. Every registered political party has the right to organise, hold meetings and conduct its lawful activities. The government has a responsibility to protect those rights, and the police have a duty to enforce the law without regard to political affiliation,” he said.

Abdullahi said the incidents documented by the party between July 2025 and September 2026 occurred in states including Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Osun, Kogi and Enugu.

He said the circumstances surrounding the incidents differed and that responsibility had not been established in every case, but argued that their frequency required serious attention from the authorities.

The ADC official recalled an attack on the party’s secretariat in Benin City, Edo State, in February, during which gunshots were also reportedly heard at the residence of former Governor John Odigie-Oyegun.

He said the Edo State Police Command confirmed the attack and ordered an investigation, adding that the public should be informed about the outcome.

Abdullahi also alleged that an ADC member, identified as Kamadioye, was killed three days before the press conference during an attack on party members preparing for a political meeting in Emilaghan community, Ward 1, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He said the incident had been reported to the police but claimed that no action appeared to have been taken against those responsible.

The ADC also reported an armed disruption of an opposition gathering in Enugu, as well as attacks on its members preparing for meetings in two wards in Kogi State.

According to Abdullahi, several party members were injured in the Kogi incidents, with some still receiving treatment in hospital.

He called for proper investigations into the allegations and said evidence, rather than competing political claims, should determine responsibility.

The ADC also raised concerns about statements attributed to some public officials, including Borno State Commissioner Sainna Buba, Kuje Area Council Chairman Danjuma Shekwolo and Osun State Senator Francis Fadahunsi.

“The public office gives a man responsibilities. It does not give him ownership of the people, and it certainly does not give him authority over their political conscience,” Abdullahi said.

He acknowledged that some of the officials had apologised or disputed the interpretation of their comments, while the Nigeria Police Force had announced investigations.

The party urged the Inspector-General of Police and commissioners of police in affected states to provide updates on investigations into political violence and explain measures being taken to prevent further attacks.

Abdullahi also referred to provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 dealing with security at political rallies, prohibited campaign conduct and threats intended to force people to support or reject a political party or candidate.

He said the ADC would continue documenting reported incidents and submit evidence and petitions to relevant authorities.

“Let us make this clear. All those who hide under the authority of state and the official position that they currently occupy to carry out human rights violations will face justice. No matter how long it takes.”

The ADC also called on the Federal Government, security agencies, political parties and election observers to ensure that citizens and political organisations can carry out lawful activities without intimidation before and during the 2027 elections.

The party said it was not seeking special treatment but wanted existing laws to be applied equally to all political parties.

“The ADC is not asking for a different law, a special police arrangement or a privileged position in the political process.

“We are asking for the rights already guaranteed to Nigerians to be protected, for allegations of violence to be investigated, and for those responsible for enforcing the law to discharge their duties without discrimination,” he said.