The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised the alarm over alleged escalating political violence against opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, demanding that the Nigeria Police Force account for investigations into attacks on its members and political meetings across the country.
The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, made the demand on Monday in Abuja at a press conference on political violence, voter intimidation and the conditions under which the 2027 general elections will be conducted.
Abdullahi said the party had documented incidents involving attacks on political meetings, destruction of party property, assault on political participants and threats against citizens over their political preferences between July 2025 and September 2026.
He listed Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Osun, Kogi and Enugu among states where the party had documented alleged incidents of political violence.
According to him, while responsibility has not been conclusively established in every case, the frequency of the reported attacks and questions surrounding the response of law enforcement agencies have become a serious concern ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The Nigerian Police is not APC police; it is the police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Abdullahi said.
He maintained that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to support a political party of choice, while registered political parties are entitled to organise meetings and conduct lawful activities without intimidation.
Abdullahi particularly cited the reported attack on the ADC secretariat in Benin City, Edo State, in February, as well as reported gunshots at the residence of former Edo State governor and former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, where political leaders had gathered.
He said the Edo State Police Command confirmed the attack on the ADC secretariat, reported damage at Oyegun’s residence and announced an investigation, but that the ADC had not received information on arrests, prosecution or the outcome of the investigation.
The ADC spokesman also alleged that one of the party’s members, identified as Kamadiyoi, was killed during an attack on 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 but alleged that the party was yet to see action capable of bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Abdullahi further alleged that armed men disrupted an opposition political gathering in Enugu, resulting in injuries, while another attack on ADC members preparing for meetings in two wards in Kogi State allegedly left several members injured.
He called for thorough investigations into the reported incidents, 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,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC spokesman also expressed concern over what he described as inflammatory comments attributed to some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He specifically referred to President Bola Tinubu’s comment that “all is fair in politics,” arguing that the President should clarify the statement and discourage any interpretation that could encourage violence against opposition parties.
Abdullahi also referred to controversies involving APC Senator Francis Fadahunsi and the chairman of Kuje Area Council, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, over remarks concerning political opponents.
He said such statements, when left without adequate official response, could increase tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
The ADC publicity secretary, however, stressed that his party would not encourage violence.
