The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the attack on its members in Kaduna State, warning that the introduction of thuggery and violence into the 2027 electoral process could have dangerous consequences.
The party, in a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the incident represented an unacceptable escalation at a time when political activities ahead of the 2027 elections were only beginning.
Abdullahi warned that the ADC’s commitment to peaceful democratic participation should not be mistaken for weakness, stressing that no political party had a monopoly on non-state-sanctioned violence.
“Let nobody mistake our commitment to peaceful democratic participation for weakness. No political party has a monopoly on non-state sanctioned violence.
“Once violence becomes an accepted instrument of political competition, nobody can predict where it ends,” he said.
The ADC called on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible were arrested and prosecuted.
“This is why the security agencies must act now. Those responsible for the attack, as well as anyone who sponsored or organised it, must be identified, arrested and prosecuted,” Abdullahi said.
The party expressed solidarity with its Kaduna State governorship candidate, Hon. Isa Ashiru, and other members affected by the incident.
It also called on the Kaduna State Government to ensure the safety of opposition parties and their supporters as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Kaduna belongs to its people, not to any party. If anyone believes intimidation will frighten the ADC off the political field, they have badly miscalculated,” the party said.
The ADC insisted that the attack would not deter it from participating actively in the political process across the state.
“We will not be intimidated. We will organise, we will campaign, and we will compete in every part of Kaduna State,” Abdullahi said.
He maintained that the outcome of the 2027 elections should be determined by voters through the ballot box rather than violence and intimidation.
“The 2027 elections must be decided by ideas competing at the ballot box, not by thugs and bruises,” he added.
