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By Chidiebere Onyemaizu
A United States of America-based pro-democracy and good governance advocacy group, the New Nigeria in USA (NNIUSA), has warned that Nigeria’s democracy risks slipping into upheaval if attacks on opposition parties and their chieftains continue unchecked.
In a press statement signed by its leader, Comrade Osasere Osifo, NNIUSA decried the spate of attacks on the opposition African Democratic Congress, ADC gatherings including the recent attack on the chieftain of the party and Labour Party Presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Mr Peter and other ADC stalwarts during a party function in Benin, the Edo state capital, describing it as an assault on democracy.
Said NNIUSA: “According to reports from eyewitnesses and leaders of the Obidient Movement, Mr. Obi and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress ,ADC including former Edo State Governor Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, were trailed by armed gunmen from the ADC Secretariat on Ogbelaka Street to Chief Oyegun’s residence in the Government Reserved Area of Benin City. The attackers reportedly opened fire on the premises, riddling the gate with bullets and damaging several vehicles before fleeing when security personnel responded.
“NNIUSA considers this attack a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy and a dangerous escalation of political violence. Political competition must never be conducted through intimidation, gunfire, or acts of terror. “Democracy must remain a contest of ideas conducted peacefully and determined by the will of the people.
“NNIUSA notes reports that the Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a suspect in connection with the attack. While this development is welcome, we call for a full, transparent, and thorough investigation to ensure that all perpetrators, coordinators, and sponsors of the attack are identified and prosecuted according to the law”
According to NNIUSA, it is worried that the federal government has kept mute over attacks on opposition figures and opposition gatherings in the country, stressing that the development portends bad omen for democracy.
“We also express deep concern over the federal government’s silence regarding these disturbing incidents. Attacks on major political figures represent serious threat to the democratic space of the nation. The failure to promptly condemn such violence risks emboldening those who seek to undermine Nigeria’s democracy through intimidation and political violence”, NNIUSA said.
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The group also strongly rejects any insinuation that Obi or any Nigerian citizen can be prevented from visiting any part of the country to campaign.
“Section 41 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of movement for every Nigerian citizen, and no individual or political authority has the right to restrict this constitutional freedom”, UNIUSA stated.
It further condemns the arson attack on the ADC Ward Secretariat in Ubima Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, which occurred on March 5, 2026.
“Suspected political thugs reportedly burnt the facility ahead of a scheduled membership registration visit by former Rivers State Governor and ADC leader in the South South, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. “Reports also indicate that the attackers fired at the gate of Amaechi’s family residence and later engaged his convoy in a gun exchange along the Ubima Omuanwa road as he attempted to enter his community.
“Reports further confirm that ADC members were attacked during a sensitization programme in Igwuruta Community earlier the same day, and that party offices across several locations in Rivers State have faced harassment, vandalism, and violence in recent months. These incidents point to a disturbing pattern of political intimidation directed at opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general elections”
“NNIUSA notes that the Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into the attack and calls on all security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators and sponsors of these acts of violence are identified and prosecuted without delay.
“Nigeria’s democracy must be protected from violence, intimidation, and lawlessness. NNIUSA urges all political actors and their supporters to conduct political engagement with civility, respect for the rule of law, and a firm commitment to peaceful democratic participation.
“NNIUSA stands with all Nigerians who believe in a nation where politics is conducted with dignity, where citizens can participate freely without fear, and where the rule of law prevails”, the statement further said.
