The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the burning of its party secretariat in Ubima, Rivers State, describing the incident as a criminal attack on democracy and a dangerous escalation of political violence.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the arson was part of a troubling pattern of intimidation against its members, noting that only a few days earlier, some ADC supporters were shot at during a political gathering and that other party offices had also been targeted in recent months.

The party warned that while it remains committed to peaceful democratic engagement, its restraint should not be mistaken for weakness and that it will take all lawful steps to protect its members and facilities.

The statement said: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) strongly condemns the criminal attack on our party secretariat in Ubima, which was burnt to the ground last night by thugs loyal to the ruling party.

“This fire is not only an attack on the African Democratic Congress as a political party, it is also a direct assault on democracy, political tolerance, and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate and participate in the democratic process.

“This latest incident is part of a disturbing pattern of intimidation and violence against our party and its members. Just a few days ago, ADC members were shot at during a political gathering. This is also not the first time that our offices have been targeted. In recent months, ADC offices in several locations have faced attacks, harassment, and acts of vandalism clearly intended to intimidate our members and disrupt our activities.

“Let it therefore be stated clearly: this kind of politics is unacceptable and must stop immediately. Nigeria must not be turned into a zoo where violence, intimidation, and the destruction of political property become the tools of political competition.”

The party said those who believe they can intimidate opposition parties through arson, violence, and criminal attacks should be reminded that those who choose violence should not assume others are incapable of defending themselves.

“While the ADC remains a peaceful and law-abiding democratic party committed to peaceful political engagement, we will not stand by and allow our members, supporters, and facilities to become easy targets for political thuggery. We will take every lawful step necessary to protect our party and our members across the country.

“We call on the security agencies to immediately investigate this attack, identify and apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure that those who sponsor or enable political violence are brought to justice. Anything short of this will embolden those who believe violence can silence political participation and weaken Nigeria’s democracy,” it said.

The ADC said it remains resolute and undeterred, and that no amount of intimidation, arson, or destruction will weaken its commitment to building a democratic Nigeria founded on justice, fairness, and the rule of law.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we must collectively reject violence and defend the sanctity of our democracy,” it said. (The Guardian)

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