Tinubu Govt Using Intimidation to Weaken Opposition — ADC

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of using intimidation and suppression to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The council alleged that attacks on opposition members, destruction of campaign offices and restrictions on access to campaign venues were part of efforts to discourage political activities and limit democratic participation.

In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC referred to several reported incidents involving opposition figures across the country.

These included an alleged attack on ADC members in Kaduna State, the reported assault on the party’s Sokoto State governorship candidate, Alhaji Munir Dan Iya, and other incidents involving opposition leaders.

The council also condemned the reported demolition of its governorship campaign office in Kebbi State. It further cited the alleged refusal to grant the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, access to a campaign venue in Enugu State.

The ADC-PCC also mentioned reported attacks on the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and other opposition voices, claiming that such incidents were intended to create fear among political participants before the next general elections.

According to the council, these developments threaten the country’s political diversity and undermine the constitutional rights of Nigerians to participate freely in democratic activities.

Drawing comparisons with the public opposition that led to the abandonment of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s proposed third-term bid, the council said Nigerians would resist any attempt to restrict political participation.

It also argued that the APC, which enjoyed the freedom to operate as an opposition party before taking power, should protect the same democratic space for other political organisations.

The council raised another concern over the continued detention of its Vice Chairman and former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. It alleged that he was being unlawfully detained and denied bail, warning that those responsible would be held accountable.

The ADC-PCC added that the matter had attracted international attention and called for respect for the rights of opposition members.

The council further alleged that some individuals were being offered money and other material benefits to abandon their political affiliations and weaken opposition parties.

It maintained that financial inducements would not stop Nigerians from exercising their political rights, insisting that citizens should not exchange their freedom to choose their leaders for monetary benefits.

The ADC-PCC called on Nigerians across political and party lines to defend democratic freedoms and ensure that all political parties could participate in the electoral process without intimidation or unnecessary restrictions.