The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded accountability from the Nigeria Police Force over alleged attacks on opposition party members and political gatherings ahead of the 2027 general elections.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, made the demand on Monday in Abuja during a press conference on political violence, voter intimidation and the conditions under which the 2027 elections would be conducted.
Abdullahi said the party had documented incidents involving attacks on political meetings, destruction of party property, assaults on political participants and threats against citizens over their political choices.
He said the incidents occurred between July 2025 and September 2026 in states including Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Osun, Kogi and Enugu.
According to the ADC spokesman, the party was concerned about the frequency of the reported incidents and what it described as inadequate responses from law enforcement agencies.
“The Nigerian police is not APC police; it is the police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Abdullahi said.
He 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.
Abdullahi cited the reported attack on the ADC secretariat in Benin City, Edo State, in February as one of the incidents that had raised concern within the party.
He also referred to reported gunshots at the residence of former Edo State governor and former APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, where political leaders had gathered.
According to him, the Edo State Police Command confirmed the attack on the ADC secretariat, reported damage at Oyegun’s residence and announced an investigation.
However, Abdullahi said the party was yet to receive information on arrests, prosecution or the outcome of the investigation.
The ADC spokesman also alleged that one of its members, identified as Kamadiyoi, was killed during an attack on party members preparing for a political meeting in Community Ward One, Odua Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He said the incident had been reported to the police and called for an investigation capable of identifying and prosecuting those responsible.
Abdullahi further alleged that armed men disrupted an opposition political gathering in Enugu, leaving some participants injured.
He said another attack allegedly occurred last week when ADC members were preparing for meetings in two wards in Kogi State.
According to him, several party members were injured in the Kogi incidents and some were still receiving treatment.
The ADC spokesman called for investigations into the reported attacks, including allegations involving private individuals and security personnel.
“What we are saying is that a record of repeated violence against lawful political activity demands serious government response, which we are not seeing,” he said.
Abdullahi also raised concerns over statements attributed to some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he said could contribute to political tension ahead of the 2027 Nigerian elections.
He referred to President Bola Tinubu’s statement that “all is fair in politics” and called on the president to clarify the remark.
