Atiku condemns attack on ADC office, blockade of Amaechi’s motorcade in Rivers

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the attack on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) office in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, describing the incident as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

 

Suspected political thugs reportedly invaded the party’s office in the community on Friday and set the facility ablaze.

 

The incident occurred shortly before former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, arrived in the area to participate in the ADC ward revalidation exercise.

 

According to reports, Amaechi’s convoy was intercepted by armed men along the route, preventing him from gaining access to the venue.

 

Reacting in a statement on Friday night, Atiku condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation into the incident.

 

“The attack on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) office in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, is condemned,” he said.

 

“It is a dangerous development that efforts to weaken the opposition have now shifted to attacking its members and destroying its properties.”

 

The former vice president warned that such actions go beyond partisan politics and pose a direct threat to democratic values.

 

“These are not merely attacks on the opposition coalition ADC, but an assault on our democracy,” he added.

 

Atiku urged the federal government to ensure the protection of opposition leaders and their supporters across the country.

 

“The protection of the lives and properties of the opposition must, as a priority, be guaranteed by the Tinubu-led APC administration. That is the minimum expectation of Nigerians,” he said.

 

He also called for an independent investigation into the burning of the party secretariat to ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.

 

“Failure to do so may encourage others to inflict further violence on the lives and properties of the opposition,” Atiku warned.

 

He further noted that the public was still awaiting the outcome of investigations into a recent attack on Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and other ADC leaders in Benin, Edo State.