ADC Condemns Burning of Rivers Secretariat, Warns Against Political Intimidation

 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the burning of its party secretariat in Ubima, Rivers State, describing the incident as a criminal attack on democracy and a dangerous escalation of political violence.

In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that the office was set ablaze by thugs loyal to the ruling party, warning that continued attacks on opposition members could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.

Abdullahi said the destruction of the secretariat was not only an attack on the party but also a direct assault on political tolerance and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate and participate in the democratic process.

According to him, the incident forms part of a disturbing pattern of intimidation and violence against the party and its members in recent times.

He alleged that only a few days earlier, ADC members were shot at during a political gathering, adding that the Ubima incident was not the first time the party’s offices had been targeted.

“In recent months, ADC offices in several locations have faced attacks, harassment and acts of vandalism clearly intended to intimidate our members and disrupt our activities,” he said.

The party warned that such acts of political violence were unacceptable and must stop immediately, stressing that Nigeria must not be turned into an environment where intimidation, violence and destruction of political property become tools of political competition.

While reaffirming the party’s commitment to peaceful democratic engagement, Abdullahi cautioned that the ADC’s restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.

“Those who believe they can intimidate opposition parties through arson, violence and criminal attacks should be reminded that those who choose violence should not assume others are incapable of defending themselves,” he said.

He added that although the party remains law-abiding and committed to peaceful politics, it would take every lawful step necessary to protect its members, supporters and facilities across the country.

The party also called on security agencies to immediately investigate the attack, apprehend those responsible and ensure that anyone found to have sponsored or enabled political violence is brought to justice.

Abdullahi maintained that failure to act decisively could embolden perpetrators and weaken Nigeria’s democratic system.

He, however, insisted that the ADC remains resolute and undeterred despite the incident, stressing that no amount of intimidation or destruction would weaken the party’s commitment to building a democratic Nigeria founded on justice, fairness and the rule of law.