PicNews
The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating alleged attacks, intimidation and harassment against opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The council warned that attempts to restrict political activities and undermine democratic freedoms would not prevent opposition parties from participating in the electoral process.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC alleged that attacks on opposition members, demolition of campaign facilities, denial of meeting venues and arrests of political figures across the country indicated growing political intolerance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The council maintained that the reported incidents went beyond ordinary political disagreements, raising concerns about the protection of constitutional rights, particularly freedom of association and the right to participate in lawful political activities.
Among the incidents cited were reported attacks on ADC leaders and members in Kaduna State, as well as an alleged assault on the party’s Sokoto State governorship candidate, Munir Dan Iya, by operatives of the Sokoto Marshals along Airport Road in Sokoto.
The council also referenced the reported demolition of its governorship campaign office in Kebbi State and the alleged denial of a campaign venue in Enugu State to Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
It further mentioned reported attacks involving African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and other opposition figures, describing the developments as part of what it considered an emerging pattern of political intolerance.
According to the ADC-PCC, the frequency and spread of the reported incidents across different states require urgent attention as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
The council insisted that opposition parties and their supporters must be allowed to organise meetings, hold campaigns, express political opinions and participate in democratic activities without intimidation or interference.
It argued that President Tinubu and the APC had previously enjoyed the same constitutional freedoms while in opposition and should ensure that other political parties have equal opportunities to exercise their democratic rights.
The campaign council also warned that attempts to limit political competition through alleged harassment, intimidation and denial of campaign facilities could weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, the ADC-PCC expressed concern over the continued detention of its Vice Chairman and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that he was being unlawfully detained and denied his right to bail.
It called for respect for his constitutional rights, insisting that any criminal allegations against him should be addressed through established legal procedures rather than what it described as politically motivated detention.
The council maintained that El-Rufai’s detention would neither weaken the party nor discourage its members from pursuing their political ambitions.
It also warned that the international community was monitoring developments in Nigeria, adding that those responsible for any violation of constitutional rights would be held accountable.
“The world is watching, and the burden of this illegality rests squarely on those responsible,” the council stated.
Despite its concerns, the ADC-PCC reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that alleged attempts to silence opposition voices would not stop Nigerians from exercising their democratic rights.
The council called for the protection of political pluralism, freedom of association and equal participation in the electoral process, stressing that the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend partly on whether political parties and candidates could operate without intimidation.
