ADC: Urges IGP Probe Political Attacks Amid 2027 Election Fears

• The African Democratic Congress (ADC) warns that rising political violence and intimidation could jeopardize the credibility of Nigeria's 2027 general elections.
• ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi accused authorities of failing to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of attacks on opposition activities.
• Specific incidents cited include alleged threats from ruling party affiliates and an attack on an Accord party gathering in Kuje, Abuja.
• The ADC has documented numerous cases of attacks on political meetings, injuries, property destruction, and a killing across multiple states.
• The party demands the Inspector General of Police (IGP) publicly account for the status of investigations into these incidents, citing a lack of arrests or updates on confirmed cases.

Abdullahi firmly stated that the Nigeria Police Force serves the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not any specific political entity, directly addressing the perception of partisan policing.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating incidents of political violence, targeted assaults on opposition members, and alleged voter intimidation, cautioning that these trends could severely undermine the integrity of Nigeria's 2027 general elections. Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, voiced these concerns during a press conference held on Monday, where he directly accused authorities of failing to adequately investigate and prosecute those responsible for attacks on opposition political activities across various states.

Abdullahi highlighted several specific instances of alleged intimidation by individuals associated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). These included Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East, who reportedly urged APC supporters to "kill" members of the rival Accord party ahead of the August Osun governorship election. Similarly, Sainna Buba, Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, allegedly threatened to sever the fingers of individuals who did not support the ruling APC. Further, Danjuma Shekwolo, Chairman of the Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, reportedly warned residents to either back the APC in the 2027 elections or vacate the council area. Following Shekwolo's remarks, suspected thugs armed with cutlasses reportedly attacked an Accord political gathering in Kuje, Abuja, dispersing participants, destroying campaign materials and furniture, and injuring at least one individual.

The ADC spokesperson emphasized that these incidents collectively represent a pattern of threats and intimidation directed at opposition parties and their supporters. The party has documented numerous cases, including attacks on political meetings, physical injuries, destruction of property, and even the killing of a party member, across states such as Rivers, Enugu, Kogi, and Edo. The ADC's memorandum details a series of such incidents reported between July 2025 and September 2026, affecting opposition political party meetings, properties, and participants, with threats based on political preferences. The frequency and nature of these occurrences, coupled with questions surrounding law enforcement's response, are a significant cause for concern.

In his address, Bolaji Abdullahi underscored fundamental constitutional principles, asserting that every Nigerian possesses the right to choose their political affiliation and that every registered political party is entitled to organize, convene meetings, and conduct lawful activities without hindrance. He stressed that the government bears the responsibility to safeguard these rights, while the police are obligated to enforce the law impartially, irrespective of political leanings. Abdullahi firmly stated that the Nigeria Police Force serves the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not any specific political entity, directly addressing the perception of partisan policing.

These demands, he argued, are not extraordinary but rather fundamental requirements of a constitutional government. Abdullahi lamented that citizens should not be compelled to struggle for rights already guaranteed by the constitution, specifically the freedom to organize and campaign openly without fear for their lives. The documented incidents, spanning states like Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Osun, Kogi, and Enugu, highlight the widespread nature of these challenges to political rights. While acknowledging that responsibility has not been conclusively established in every case, the ADC points to the sheer volume and character of the affected activities, alongside the perceived inadequacy of law enforcement's actions, as deeply troubling.

The ADC specifically recalled a February attack on its secretariat in Benin, Edo State, which occurred during a political gathering. Additionally, the party cited reported gunshots at the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, a former governor and ex-APC national chairman. Abdullahi confirmed that the police had acknowledged these incidents and subsequently ordered investigations into them.

However, the ADC spokesperson expressed significant dissatisfaction, noting that despite these official confirmations and directives, there has been no public record of arrests, prosecutions, or any updates on the progress of these probes. This lack of transparency and action fuels the ADC's broader concern about Nigeria police accountability regarding political attacks. Consequently, the party has formally urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to publicly account for the current status of all investigations into these reported incidents of political violence and intimidation, emphasizing the need for a thorough Nigeria electoral violence investigation to ensure justice and deter future occurrences.

This development signals potential challenges to electoral integrity and the rule of law in Nigeria, requiring lawyers to advise clients on heightened political risk and compliance officers to assess operational risks related to political instability and law enforcement's perceived inaction on violence.

Source: Original reporting via Punch