The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned an attack on its members in Kaduna State, warning that the use of violence and political thuggery could threaten the credibility and stability of the 2027 election process.
The opposition party said the incident represented a troubling development at a time when political activities ahead of the next general election were only beginning to gather momentum.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the attack as an unacceptable escalation and cautioned political actors against interpreting its commitment to peaceful democratic engagement as a sign of weakness.
“Let nobody mistake our commitment to peaceful democratic participation for weakness. No political party has a monopoly on non-state sanctioned violence. Once violence becomes an accepted instrument of political competition, nobody can predict where it ends,” the statement said.
The party called on security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that everyone connected with the attack, including alleged sponsors and organisers, was brought to justice.
“This is why the security agencies must act now. Those responsible for the attack, as well as anyone who sponsored or organised it, must be identified, arrested and prosecuted.”
The ADC also expressed solidarity with its Kaduna State governorship candidate, Hon. Isa Ashiru, as well as other party members affected by the incident.
It further called on the Kaduna State Government to guarantee the safety of opposition parties and ensure that political groups could carry out legitimate activities across the state without intimidation or obstruction.
“Kaduna belongs to its people, not to any party. If anyone believes intimidation will frighten the ADC off the political field, they have badly miscalculated.
“We will not be intimidated. We will organise, we will campaign, and we will compete in every part of Kaduna State. The 2027 elections must be decided by ideas competing at the ballot box, not by thugs and bruises,” the party said.
The ADC maintained that political competition ahead of the 2027 elections must be conducted within the bounds of democratic principles, with electoral choices determined by voters rather than intimidation, violence or the activities of political thugs.
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