ADC Accuses APC Of Attacking Opposition, Says Democracy Will Prevail

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating attacks on opposition parties and their leaders, warning that alleged attempts to suppress democratic participation would fail.

The council described the incidents as a sustained assault on democracy, freedom of association and the constitutional rights of Nigerians under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC said the incidents went beyond ordinary political rivalry, alleging a growing pattern of intimidation, harassment and suppression of opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The council cited attacks on its leaders and members in Kaduna, as well as the reported assault on its Sokoto State governorship candidate, Alhaji Munir Dan Iya, by operatives of the Sokoto Marshals along Airport Road in Sokoto.

It also referenced the reported demolition of its governorship campaign office in Kebbi State and the alleged denial of a campaign venue in Enugu State to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.

Other incidents cited included reported attacks on the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, and other opposition figures.

According to the council, the alleged attacks, denial of campaign venues, arrests and harassment of opposition members raised serious concerns about the state of democratic freedoms and political pluralism in the country.

The ADC-PCC maintained that no government, regardless of its political or institutional strength, could suppress the democratic aspirations of Nigerians.

It recalled that popular resistance contributed to the collapse of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term agenda, arguing that Nigerians would similarly resist any attempt to undermine their democratic rights.

The council also accused the APC of abandoning the democratic freedoms it enjoyed while in opposition, insisting that such rights must be guaranteed to all political parties and their members.

It further expressed concern over the continued detention of its Vice Chairman and former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that he was being unlawfully detained and denied bail.

“The world is watching, and the burden of this illegality rests squarely on those responsible,” the statement said.

The campaign council also alleged that financial inducements were being used to weaken opposition ranks and compromise individuals, insisting that Nigerians would not surrender their constitutional rights for monetary benefits.

“President Tinubu is at liberty to corruptly buy a few consciences with money and material inducements. Millions of Naira are being offered to weak individuals to mortgage their rights, but not all Nigerians are for sale,” it stated.

The ADC-PCC urged Nigerians to remain committed to defending democratic values, freedom of association and their right to political choice, irrespective of party affiliation.

Reaffirming its commitment to providing an alternative political platform, the council said the ADC remained determined to contribute to what it described as the rescue of the country.

“The ADC has come to rescue this country. This too shall pass. Nigeria will endure and democracy will prevail,” the statement added.