Table of Contents
- Condemnation of the Attack
- Official Statement
- Dangerous Pattern of Attacks
- Criticism of Authorities
- APC's Alleged Involvement
- Call for Investigation
- Planned Event Will Proceed
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has denounced the arson attack on its Ekiti State office in Ado-Ekiti, labeling it a calculated act of political intimidation aimed at suppressing the opposition.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party indicated that the attack occurred mere hours before its scheduled “Reconfiguration and Affirmation Ceremony.”
Abdullahi characterized the incident as a deliberate attempt to instill fear in the opposition ahead of the upcoming governorship election in the state. He condemned the attack as “criminal and undemocratic,” asserting that it is a disgrace to anyone who professes to value democracy and political freedom.
The party noted that this incident is not an isolated one, highlighting that its offices and members have experienced similar assaults in Kaduna, Lagos, Kebbi, Kogi, and Edo States since the Opposition Coalition designated ADC as its preferred platform in July.
Abdullahi remarked that such recurring incidents create “a dangerous pattern” that should alarm everyone.
He also criticized the authorities for their inaction, stating that any government that turns a blind eye to attacks on opposition parties is inviting disorder.
Abdullahi accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the attacks out of fear regarding the ADC's increasing influence.
He elaborated that the party's popularity is surging among Nigerians who are disillusioned with the current administration's failures.
According to him, the fire in Ekiti serves as evidence that the APC is concerned about ADC’s rising support.
“The fire in Ekiti is further affirmation that the APC is intimidated by the growing momentum of the ADC,” he stated.
The ADC has called on security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Additionally, it urged INEC, civil society organizations, and international observers to closely monitor the situation.
Despite the attack, Abdullahi affirmed that the party’s planned event in Ekiti would proceed as scheduled.
He emphasized that even if it meant holding the event outdoors, the ceremony would go ahead, insisting that violence would not deter the ADC from progressing.
