The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of orchestrating a sustained campaign of intimidation, harassment and suppression against opposition parties and their members ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The council alleged that attacks on opposition figures, demolition of party facilities, denial of campaign venues and the detention of political leaders were part of a coordinated effort to undermine democracy and restrict Nigerians’ constitutional right to political participation.
In a statement issued on Sunday, November 1, and signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC said the developments across the country went beyond ordinary political rivalry.
It described the incidents as a disturbing pattern of political intolerance, alleging that the actions were calculated to frighten Nigerians ahead of the general elections.
Among the incidents cited were attacks on ADC leaders and members in Kaduna, as well as the reported assault on the party’s Sokoto State governorship candidate, Alhaji Munir Dan Iya, by operatives of the Sokoto Marshals along Airport Road in Sokoto.
The council also referenced the reported demolition of its governorship campaign office in Kebbi State and the alleged denial of a campaign venue in Enugu State to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
It further cited reported attacks on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and other opposition figures.
The ADC-PCC said the incidents raised serious concerns about the protection of democratic freedoms and political pluralism in the country.
The council also expressed concern over the continued detention of its Vice Chairman and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that he was being unlawfully detained and denied bail.
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“The world is watching, and the burden of this illegality rests squarely on those responsible,” the statement said.
It warned that the detention would not weaken the party, adding that the international community was monitoring developments in Nigeria.
The campaign council further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deploying financial inducements to weaken opposition parties and compromise individuals.
“President Tinubu is at liberty to corruptly buy a few consciences with money and material inducements. Millions of Naira are being offered to weak individuals to mortgage their rights, but not all Nigerians are for sale,” it declared.
The ADC-PCC maintained that the same freedoms enjoyed by Tinubu and the APC when they were in opposition must be guaranteed to other political parties.
It recalled the popular resistance that contributed to the collapse of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term agenda, arguing that no government could suppress the democratic aspirations of Nigerians indefinitely.
The council urged Nigerians to defend their constitutional rights, freedom of association and political choices, irrespective of party affiliations
Reaffirming its commitment to providing an alternative political platform, the ADC-PCC declared: “The ADC has come to rescue this country.
“This too shall pass. Nigeria will endure and democracy will prevail,” the statement concluded.