By Prevail Inegbenose
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised fresh concerns over alleged attacks on its members and supporters across several states, warning that continued violence against opposition political activities could create a situation in which citizens may be forced to consider alternatives to relying solely on the security agencies for protection.
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The party made the position known during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, where its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, questioned the response of relevant authorities to reported incidents of political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abdullahi stressed that every Nigerian has a constitutional right to support a political party of his or her choice, while registered political parties are entitled to organise meetings and conduct lawful political activities.
“The Nigerian Police is not APC police. It is the police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the responsibility of the government and security agencies is to protect citizens and enforce the law without regard to political affiliation.
“These are not extraordinary demands. They are the ordinary requirements of constitutional government,” Abdullahi said, stressing that Nigerians should be able to organise and campaign openly “without fear for our lives.”
The ADC said it had documented incidents between July 2025 and September 2026 involving alleged attacks on opposition meetings, destruction of party property, assaults on political participants and threats against citizens over their political preferences.
It said the incidents occurred in states including Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Osun, Kogi and Enugu.
The party, however, acknowledged that responsibility for some of the incidents had not been conclusively established.
“Nevertheless, their frequency, the nature of the activities affected, and the questions surrounding the response of the law enforcement agencies give us serious cause for concern,” Abdullahi said.
He cited the February attack on the ADC secretariat in Benin City, Edo State, during a political rally, as well as reports of gunshots at the residence of former Edo State governor and former APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, where political leaders had gathered.
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Abdullahi said although the Edo State Police Command confirmed the attack, reported damage and ordered an investigation, the party was yet to see arrests, prosecution or a public account of the outcome of the investigation.
He also referred to an alleged recent attack on ADC members preparing for a political meeting in Community Ward 1, Odua-Akwa, Rivers State, which he said resulted in the death of a party member identified as Kamadjo.
According to him, the incident had been reported to the police, but the party was concerned about what it described as an inadequate response.
Abdullahi further alleged that an opposition gathering in Enugu was attacked by armed men, resulting in injuries, while another attack was reportedly recorded during preparations for a meeting in a ward in Ogun State.
He called for comprehensive investigations into the incidents, including allegations involving private individuals and public security personnel.
“These incidents require proper investigation, including an examination of allegations against both private individuals and public security personnel who were complicit, or who have inspired people to carry out the kind of attack they are carrying out against our members,” he said.
The ADC spokesman said security agencies should also examine whether adequate preventive measures were put in place where attacks occurred around scheduled political meetings, opening of party offices, movements of political leaders and other lawful political activities.
He warned that continued failure to protect political actors could undermine citizens’ confidence in the democratic process.
“The public must not have to accept that holding a political meeting in Nigeria is an activity for which you need to take a large insurance,” Abdullahi said.
The party’s position comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 elections. The ADC has previously urged its candidates and supporters to resist provocation, reject political violence and focus their campaigns on issues.
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The party has also publicly called for security agencies to investigate attacks against its members and prosecute those found responsible, while insisting that it remains committed to peaceful democratic participation.
Abdullahi said the authorities must demonstrate through concrete action that Nigerians can participate in politics without intimidation, adding that political competition should ultimately be decided through lawful democratic processes rather than violence.