- Safiu Kehinde
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the burning of its party secretariat in Ubima, Ikwere Local Government Area of Rivers State.
NPO Reported that suspected hoodlums had in the early hours of Friday set ablaze the secretariat located at the hometown of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
This would be followed by gunmen attack on Amaechi’s convoy while on his way to Ubima to kickoff the e-registration exercise for the party members.
While the ADC kept mum on the attack on the ex-Minister of Transportation, the party in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the attack on the secretariat as a criminal attack on democracy and a dangerous escalation of political violence.
Abdullahi held that the arson was part of a troubling pattern of intimidation against its members.
He recalled last month’s attack on ADC supporters during a political gathering in Edo State.
The ADC spokesperson noted that other party offices had also been targeted in recent months.
While the party did not directly accuse the All Progressives Congress (APC) of the latest attack, the ADC however warned the ruling party against taking its restraint for weakness.
“This fire is not only an attack on the African Democratic Congress as a political party, it is also a direct assault on democracy, political tolerance, and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate and participate in the democratic process.
“This latest incident is part of a disturbing pattern of intimidation and violence against our party and its members.
“Just a few days ago, ADC members were shot at during a political gathering. This is also not the first time that our offices have been targeted.
“In recent months, ADC offices in several locations have faced attacks, harassment, and acts of vandalism clearly intended to intimidate our members and disrupt our activities.” The statement partly read.
The ADC called for an end to the attacks while reiterating that the party cannot be intimidated through arson and violence.
“Let it therefore be stated clearly: this kind of politics is unacceptable and must stop immediately. Nigeria must not be turned into a zoo where violence, intimidation, and the destruction of political property become the tools of political competition.
“Those who believe they no can intimidate opposition parties through arson, violence, and criminal attacks should be reminded that those who choose violence should not assume others are incapable of defending themselves.” The party said.
It also vowed to take legal action over the recent attack, stressing that it will not stand by and allow our members, supporters, and facilities to become easy targets for political thuggery.
The ADC called on security agencies to investigate and apprehend the perpetrators.
“While the ADC remains a peaceful and law-abiding democratic party committed to peaceful political engagement, we will not stand by and allow our members, supporters, and facilities to become easy targets for political thuggery.
“We will take every lawful step necessary to protect our party and our members across the country.
“We call on the security agencies to immediately investigate this attack, identify and apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure that those who sponsor or enable political violence are brought to justice.
“Anything short of this will embolden those who believe violence can silence political participation and weaken Nigeria’s democracy.
“The ADC remains resolute and undeterred. No amount of intimidation, arson, or destruction will weaken our commitment to building a democratic Nigeria founded on justice, fairness, and the rule of law. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we must collectively reject violence and defend the sanctity of our democracy.” The statemenr=t read further.