The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned Tuesday’s violent attack on the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, describing the incident as a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy and a dangerous escalation of political intolerance under the current administration.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) led Federal Government of orchestrating the “brazen invasion and forceful takeover” of the PDP secretariat. The ADC alleged that the attack was carried out by “armed men acting under the command of senior officials of the Tinubu administration,” warning that the development represents “a chilling sign that the country is sliding rapidly toward authoritarian rule.”
Recall that on Tuesday, a contingent of armed operatives stormed the PDP National Secretariat in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, in an attempt to install a faction of the party led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike and former National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu who were expelled by the party during a convention that took place in Ibadan, Oyo State capital on November 15 – 16, 2025.
According to the ADC, the violent takeover did not only threaten the internal affairs of the PDP but also signalled an attempt by the ruling party to shrink Nigeria’s political space and weaken the foundational pillars of multiparty democracy.
“This incident, without doubt, is a dangerous assault on Nigeria’s democracy, which must be condemned by everyone, regardless of party affiliation,” the statement read. “Based on its various actions and machinations since coming to power, this government’s anti-democratic credentials are no longer in doubt. However, this latest assault represents a new and dangerous low, even by the already worrying standards of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.”
The coalition party further warned that the implications of the attack go far beyond the PDP, stressing that it sets a precedent that could be replicated against other civic groups, labour unions, media institutions, student bodies, and peaceful protest movements.
“With this action, the government is sending a chilling message that it would do anything and employ any means, including acts of terror, to advance partisan political interests,” Abdullahi stated. “If the government could send armed agents to enforce factional control of an opposition headquarters, what stops it from doing the same to labour unions, press organisations, student movements, or peaceful protest groups?”
The ADC argued that the attack was part of a deliberate pattern by the ruling party to destabilise opposition structures ahead of the 2027 general elections. It referenced what it described as previous attempts by the Federal Government to interfere in internal affairs of rival political parties, asserting that Tuesday’s event was “a more sinister and brazen escalation” of an ongoing effort to entrench one-party dominance in the country.
“Let no one make the mistake of thinking that this is a PDP matter,” the ADC cautioned. “This attack affects the future of democracy in Nigeria and sets a dangerous background for the 2027 general elections.”
The party called on citizens, civil society organisations, and Nigeria’s international partners to speak out against what it termed “the creeping authoritarian tendencies” of the present administration. It urged diplomatic missions, international observers, and global democracy watchdogs to monitor the situation closely and to engage the Nigerian government on the need to uphold democratic norms and protect civil liberties.
In addition, the ADC demanded a full investigation into the role played by the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies in the operation. It alleged that the ease with which the attackers gained access to the secretariat suggested complicity on the part of state institutions.
“As a party, we demand an independent investigation into the role of the Nigerian Police and other security forces in this disgraceful action,” the statement said. “We also call on President Bola Tinubu to rein in his political operatives before they send the country into chaos.”
The statement concluded with a warning that Nigeria’s stability cannot be guaranteed if political actors continue to deploy violence in inter-party disputes. It urged all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue, respect for rule of law, and protection of democratic institutions as the country approaches another electoral cycle.
