By CHARLES IWUOHA

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Imo State Chapter, has condemned the violent attack on members of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) who were holding a meeting at Umuoyima Town Hall, in Owerri Municipal local government Area of the state on Tuesday evening, July 14, 2026.

ADC said according to eyewitness accounts, over 20 armed thugs in a fully loaded bus invaded the meeting venue, and unleashed mayhem on peaceful citizens. Guns, knives, and other dangerous weapons were displayed.

Many were injured and properties including chairs and public address systems belonging to the NDC were destroyed.

This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the party's state Publicity Secretary, Chief Mac-Donald Amadi, and made available to newsmen in Owerri.

The statement reads in part: "We condemn this barbaric act in the strongest possible terms. We are all brothers and sisters. Imo State is our common home. Politics should not turn us into enemies. The blood of any Imolite is too precious to be spilled on the altar of ambition.

“The Holy Bible reminds us in Psalm 62:11. God has spoken once, twice have I heard this: ‘that power belongs to God’. _

“Power is given by God, and to God alone belongs the authority to enthrone and dethrone.

"If the purpose of seeking power is to develop our state, to build our roads, schools, and hospitals, and to wipe tears from the eyes of our people, then there is absolutely no need to kill ourselves.

"ADC believes politics must be played according to the tenets of democracy — with ideas, with civility, and with respect for the sanctity of human life. Thuggery, intimidation, and violence have no place in a democracy.

"We urge all political actors, stakeholders, and youths in Imo State to reject violence. Let us debate issues, not attack persons. Let us campaign with our manifesto, not with weapons.

“We will continue to uphold the rule of law and the fear of God in all our day-to-day activities. “We will not be provoked into violence. We will not sponsor thugs. Our mandate is to serve, not to shed blood.”

ADC called on the security agencies to immediately investigate the attack, arrest the perpetrators and their sponsors, and ensure that justice is done.