Political violence, intimidation may mar 2027 elections, ADC warns

Ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a warning that persistent attacks on opposition members, escalating violence, and systematic political intimidation could mar the credibility of the polls. At a press conference in Abuja, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi urged the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to provide an update on ongoing investigations into reports of political violence across the country.

The ADC accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating intimidation against opposition platforms following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's controversial statement: "all is fair in politics." Abdullahi requested the President to either retract the remark or clarify its context. The party has compiled a detailed report of incidents from July 2025 to September 2026, documenting attacks on political meetings, destruction of party property, assaults on participants, and threats to citizens based on their political preferences.

Specific incidents include an attack on the ADC Secretariat in Benin, Edo State, and gunfire aimed at the residence of a former APC National Chairman. The Edo State Police Command confirmed the attack on the secretariat but no arrests or prosecutions have been made since February. Abdullahi also reported a violent assault on party members in Odua Local Government Area of Rivers State, resulting in the death of a young member named Kamadiyoi.

The ADC argued that President Tinubu's statement legitimizes unlawful acts by inciting lawlessness. They called on the President to withdraw the statement or provide clarification, emphasizing their duty to uphold the Constitution. Abdullahi stated that the ADC will pursue legal and institutional remedies, maintaining a centralized database of reported incidents with all relevant evidence.

The party urged international observers and regional bodies to closely monitor pre-election developments, stressing that the legitimacy of the election cannot be determined solely by events on polling day if opposition parties are denied free assembly and campaigning in the months leading up to the vote.