2027 Elections: ADC Raises The Alarm Over Political Violence, Demands Police Action

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.

He said the party had directed its candidates and members to avoid inflammatory rhetoric, hate speech and statements capable of deepening ethnic or religious divisions.

“The National Chairman of our party, Senator David Mark, has said it clearly that no candidate of the ADC must engage in any rhetoric that is divisive, that is going to intensify religious division or ethnic division,” he said.

Abdullahi said the party is keeping a central record of reported incidents, including dates, locations, witness accounts, photographs, videos, medical documentation and complaints submitted to law enforcement agencies.

“We are keeping records. We are documenting every single incident,” he said.

According to him, the ADC will submit petitions to relevant authorities and seek judicial remedies where necessary.

He also said the party would engage institutions including the National Human Rights Commission, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, the African Union and other relevant bodies where necessary.

Abdullahi urged Nigeria’s international partners and election observers to pay attention to the conditions under which political parties organise before election day.

He said the credibility of the 2027 elections should not be judged only by what happens on election day but also by whether political parties are able to hold meetings, campaign, advertise candidates and organise lawful political activities without intimidation.

The ADC spokesman also alleged that opposition parties were facing difficulties in displaying campaign posters and billboards in Abuja and other parts of the country.

He argued that equal opportunity for political parties to campaign should form part of any assessment of the conditions for free and credible elections.

According to him, the ADC will continue to document developments ahead of the election rather than wait until election day before raising concerns.

He also called on President Tinubu to clarify his “all is fair in politics” remark and publicly discourage any interpretation of the statement that could encourage violence or intimidation.

On the proposed state police, Abdullahi said the ADC is monitoring the debate closely because of concerns that state police could potentially be used against opposition parties.

He said members of the party in the National Assembly are following the process and will announce their position on the issue.

The ADC spokesman also faulted what he described as the silence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over political violence.

He argued that the electoral umpire has a responsibility to speak when violence could affect the ability of political parties to participate freely in the electoral process.

“If we are concerned, INEC should be concerned because if you are an electoral umpire and you have promised to deliver free and fair election, and the table is being turned against a participant in the election, then you cannot claim to be fair,” he said.

Asked whether the ADC would eventually direct its members to defend themselves against attacks, Abdullahi said the party was “getting close” to such a situation but would continue to pursue lawful means of protecting its members.

“We will do whatever it takes to protect the peace. We will do whatever it takes to keep our members under control,” he said.

He added that continued attacks could make it increasingly difficult for party leaders to persuade members to remain restrained.

Abdullahi insisted that the ADC is not seeking special treatment, but wants existing laws protecting citizens and political parties to be enforced.

“We are not asking for any different law or any special arrangement as an opposition political party,” he said.

“We are aware that what we are doing is playing politics, but we know that even in the jungle there are rules.”

The ADC publicity secretary said the party would continue to pursue the matter through lawful channels and document incidents that could have implications for the 2027 general elections.

He urged the Federal Government, security agencies, INEC and political parties to ensure that Nigerians can participate in political activities without fear of violence or intimidation.