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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation, harassment and suppression of opposition political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that alleged attempts to undermine democratic freedoms and restrict political participation would fail.
The council alleged that attacks on opposition figures, demolition of campaign facilities, denial of political meeting venues and arrests of political opponents across the country pointed to a disturbing pattern of intolerance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC maintained that the incidents went beyond ordinary political rivalry and raised fundamental questions about the protection of constitutional rights, particularly freedom of association and participation in lawful political activities.
The campaign council cited reported attacks on its leaders and members in Kaduna State, the alleged assault on its Sokoto State governorship candidate, Munir Dan Iya, by operatives of the Sokoto Marshals along Airport Road, Sokoto, and other incidents involving opposition figures.
It also referenced the reported demolition of its governorship campaign office in Kebbi State and the alleged denial of a campaign venue in Enugu State to the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi.
The ADC-PCC further cited reported attacks on the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, and other opposition voices, arguing that the incidents reflected what it described as an emerging pattern of political intolerance.
According to the council, the frequency and geographical spread of the alleged incidents suggested the need for urgent attention to the protection of democratic rights as political parties intensified preparations for the 2027 polls.
It maintained that opposition parties and their supporters were entitled to organise meetings, campaign, express political opinions and participate in the electoral process without intimidation or interference.
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The campaign council argued that President Tinubu and the APC had benefited from the same constitutional freedoms while operating outside the Federal Government and should therefore ensure that opposition parties enjoyed equal opportunities to participate in democratic activities.
It warned that attempts to restrict political competition through alleged intimidation, harassment or the denial of campaign facilities could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The ADC-PCC also expressed concern over the continued detention of its Vice Chairman and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that he was being unlawfully held and denied his right to bail.
It demanded respect for his constitutional rights and insisted that any criminal allegations against him should be handled through established legal procedures rather than what it described as politically motivated detention.
The council maintained that El-Rufai’s detention would not weaken the party or discourage its members from pursuing their political objectives.
It also warned that the international community was closely following developments in Nigeria and that those responsible for any violation of constitutional rights would be held accountable.
“The world is watching, and the burden of this illegality rests squarely on those responsible,” the ADC campaign council stated.
The opposition party reaffirmed its determination to continue its political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that alleged efforts to suppress opposition voices would not prevent Nigerians from exercising their democratic rights.
It called for the protection of political pluralism, freedom of association and equal participation in the electoral process, maintaining that the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend partly on the ability of political parties and candidates to operate without intimidation.
