You’re behind political violence across Nigeria – ADC replies APC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of sponsoring political violence across the country, challenging President Bola Tinubu to rein in members of his party and guarantee a peaceful environment for opposition campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ADC Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) made the allegation in a statement on Friday, signed by Kola Ologbondiyan, its Director of Media and Publicity, in reaction to a statement by Dele Alake, APC campaign spokesman, condemning attacks on political gatherings across the country.

The ADC described the APC’s condemnation as hypocritical and diversionary, insisting that the ruling party was responsible for the violence threatening the country’s democracy.

“The APC cannot pretend to be a victim of the very violence it has nurtured, funded and unleashed on Nigerians since it came to power,” the council said.

It alleged that APC supporters had disrupted opposition gatherings, attacked members and destroyed campaign materials in Edo, Cross River, Gombe and Lagos.

The council also accused APC governors of frustrating opposition activities through the denial of rally venues, demolition of party offices, physical attacks and restrictions on campaign posters and billboards.

It specifically linked the disruption of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) town hall meeting in Lagos to alleged APC-sponsored intimidation.

The ADC challenged Tinubu to heed the counsel of Professor Jerry Gana, an elder statesman, and ensure political activities were conducted peacefully.

The opposition party disclosed that it was compiling records of alleged attacks on its members and would submit reports to relevant international judicial and human rights institutions.

The council, however, vowed that intimidation would not deter its mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.