The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned an alleged attack on its members in Kaduna State, warning that the introduction of political terrorism and thuggery into the 2027 electoral process could have dangerous consequences for the country.
The party described the incident as an unacceptable escalation of political tensions, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections are only beginning.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC warned political actors against mistaking its commitment to peaceful democratic participation for weakness.
“Let nobody mistake our commitment to peaceful democratic participation for weakness. No political party has a monopoly on non-state sanctioned violence,” the party said.
It warned that once violence becomes an accepted tool of political competition, its consequences could become difficult to control.
“Once violence becomes an accepted instrument of political competition, nobody can predict where it ends,” the statement added.
The ADC called on security agencies to immediately investigate the incident, identify those responsible and prosecute them.
“This is why the security agencies must act now. Those responsible for the attack, as well as anyone who sponsored or organised it, must be identified, arrested and prosecuted,” Abdullahi said.
The party expressed solidarity with its Kaduna State governorship candidate, Hon. Isa Ashiru, and other members reportedly affected by the incident.
It also called on the Kaduna State Government to ensure the safety of opposition parties and their members as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
The ADC maintained that Kaduna State belonged to all its citizens and should not be treated as the preserve of any political party.
“Kaduna belongs to its people, not to any party,” the party said.
It warned that attempts to use intimidation to discourage the ADC from participating in the political process would not succeed.
“If anyone believes intimidation will frighten the ADC off the political field, they have badly miscalculated,” it said.
The party vowed to continue its political activities across the state despite the reported attack, insisting that its campaign would be based on persuasion and competition of ideas rather than violence.
“We will not be intimidated. We will organise, we will campaign, and we will compete in every part of Kaduna State,” the ADC declared.
The party said the 2027 elections should provide Nigerians with an opportunity to choose leaders based on their programmes, policies and ideas rather than the ability of political actors to deploy violence.
“The 2027 elections must be decided by ideas competing at the ballot box, not by thugs and bruises,” it said.
The ADC’s warning comes amid increasing political activities by parties and opposition groups ahead of the 2027 elections, with parties beginning mobilisation, candidate engagements and campaigns across the country.
The party reiterated its commitment to peaceful democratic participation but said such commitment should not be interpreted as an inability or unwillingness to defend its members and political interests through lawful means.
