African Democratic Congress National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday. Photo: Abdulrahman Zakariyau
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned that the growing incidence of political violence, attacks on opposition members and alleged voter intimidation could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, raised the concern at a press conference on Monday, accusing authorities of failing to adequately investigate and prosecute those responsible for attacks on opposition political activities across several states.
Ahead of the August Osun governorship election, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East, was reported to have urged supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to “kill” members of the rival Accord Party.
Similarly, Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, recently sparked controversy after reportedly threatening to cut off the fingers of individuals who refused to support the APC.
In the Federal Capital Territory, the Chairman of the Kuje Area Council, Danjuma Shekwolo, also came under criticism after reportedly warning residents to either support the APC in the 2027 elections or leave the council area.
Days later, suspected thugs armed with cutlasses reportedly attacked an Accord Party political gathering in Kuje, Abuja. The attackers allegedly dispersed participants, destroyed campaign materials and furniture, and injured at least one person.
The ADC said the incidents, among others, represented threats and intimidation against opposition parties and their supporters by individuals allegedly linked to the ruling APC.
Abdullahi said the party had documented several incidents in Rivers, Enugu, Kogi and Edo states involving attacks on political meetings, injuries, destruction of property and the killing of a party member.
He called on the Inspector General of Police to publicly provide updates on the status of investigations into the reported incidents.
