ADC Alleges APC Complicity in Rising Pre-2027 Political Violence

As Nigeria looks toward the 2027 general elections, political tensions have escalated following a sharp confrontation between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The ADC Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has formally accused the APC of fostering an environment of violence, characterizing the ruling party as the primary instigator behind recent disruptions targeting opposition parties.

The ADC’s Allegations

In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC dismissed the APC’s recent public condemnation of political violence as hypocritical. The ADC argues that the ruling party is attempting to deflect accountability for a pattern of intimidation that has allegedly persisted since the APC assumed power.

The ADC-PCC specifically pointed to incidents in Edo, Cross River, Gombe, and Lagos states. According to the council, these events include the destruction of campaign materials, the physical assault of party members, and the obstruction of public political gatherings. The council further alleged that state governments under APC control have utilized administrative power to stifle opposition, citing the denial of rally venues, the demolition of party offices, and the imposition of prohibitive fees for billboards and posters.

Specific Claims of Interference

A central point of contention in the ADC’s statement is the disruption of a town hall meeting organized by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Lagos. The ADC-PCC claimed that the interference bore the “unmistakable fingerprints” of the APC, suggesting that such actions are part of a broader strategy to suppress political competition.

The ADC-PCC questioned the timing of the APC’s recent stance against violence, asking why the ruling party remained silent when ADC billboards were destroyed and rallies were previously disrupted. The council argued that the APC is resorting to these tactics because it lacks substantive policy responses to national challenges such as unemployment, insecurity, and corruption.

Calls for Accountability

The ADC has called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to heed the counsel of elder statesman Professor Jerry Gana by providing the necessary leadership to safeguard democratic freedoms and ensure a peaceful electoral environment. The council stated that it is currently documenting these alleged attacks and intends to submit reports to international human rights and judicial organizations.

Despite these accusations, the ADC-PCC reaffirmed its commitment to an issue-based campaign. The council emphasized that it would not be deterred by intimidation and remains focused on presenting its platform to the Nigerian electorate ahead of the 2027 polls.

Context and Current Status

While the ADC has leveled these serious charges, it is important to note that these allegations are currently one-sided. The APC has not yet provided a detailed rebuttal to these specific claims of state-sponsored disruption. As of now, there is no independent verification of the ADC’s claims regarding the coordination of these attacks by the ruling party. The political climate remains fluid as both parties prepare for the upcoming election cycle, with the ADC positioning itself as a challenger seeking a transition in governance.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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