The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of orchestrating attacks, intimidation and harassment against opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This was just as the council described the alleged incidents as a coordinated assault on democracy and Nigerians’ constitutional rights to freedom of association and political participation.
In a statement released on Sunday by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC said the incidents across the country suggested a pattern of political intolerance beyond ordinary rivalry between parties.
It described the alleged actions as calculated attempts to intimidate Nigerians and discourage opposition activities ahead of the next general elections.
The council recalled attacks on its leaders and members in Kaduna, as well as the assault on its Sokoto State governorship candidate, Alhaji Munir Dan Iya, by operatives of the Sokoto Marshals along Airport Road in Sokoto.
It also cited the 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.
The ADC-PCC further referenced attacks on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore and other opposition figures, describing the incidents as evidence of growing political intolerance.
According to the council, the attacks, arrests, harassment and denial of campaign venues raise serious concerns about democratic freedoms and political pluralism in Nigeria.
It argued that no government could successfully suppress Nigerians’ democratic aspirations, recalling how popular resistance contributed to the collapse of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term agenda.
The council also accused Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of enjoying the benefits of opposition politics when they were outside government but failing to guarantee the same freedoms to other political parties.
Politics Nigeria reports that the ADC-PCC also raised concerns 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 his right to bail.
It warned that his detention would not weaken the party, adding that the international community was monitoring developments in Nigeria.
“The world is watching, and the burden of this illegality rests squarely on those responsible,” the council stated.
The campaign council further alleged that financial inducements were being used to compromise individuals and weaken opposition parties.
It accused the Tinubu administration of attempting to buy political loyalty through monetary and material offers, insisting that Nigerians would not surrender their constitutional rights for financial benefits.
“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,” the statement declared.
The ADC-PCC urged Nigerians to remain committed to defending democracy, freedom of association and their right to political choice, irrespective of party affiliation.
Reaffirming its political ambition, the council said the ADC remained determined to provide an alternative platform and contribute to what it described as the rescue of the country.
“The ADC has come to rescue this country. This too shall pass. Nigeria will endure and democracy will prevail,” the statement concluded.
