The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised the alarm that the 2027 general elections may already be under threat following what it described as a growing wave of attacks on opposition parties and the failure of security agencies to bring perpetrators to justice.
The party also challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take concrete steps to demonstrate its neutrality and assure Nigerians that their votes would be protected amid what it described as escalating political violence ahead of the elections.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, made the allegations while briefing journalists in Abuja on Monday.
Abdullahi said the party had compiled a catalogue of alleged attacks on its members and supporters across the country and would formally present the records to international organisations and the leadership of Nigeria’s security agencies for appropriate action.
He alleged that the attacks, which the party attributed to elements allegedly linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), had resulted in deaths and injuries, while restricting the ADC’s ability to campaign freely in parts of the country.
According to him, the development should not be treated as isolated incidents but as a threat capable of undermining the credibility of the 2027 electoral process.
The ADC spokesman also took issue with a recent comment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that “all is fair in politics,” urging the President to withdraw the statement or explain its meaning and implications.
Tinubu had made the remark in July while speaking on political competition and his determination to defend his position ahead of the 2027 elections.
Abdullahi accused the President of providing what he described as a “philosophical background” for political thuggery and violence through the statement.
He alleged that the ruling party was preparing to deploy intimidation and violence to scare opposition parties, restrict their campaigns and influence the outcome of the 2027 elections.
The ADC therefore called on Tinubu to publicly clarify his position and, in particular, to call members and supporters of the APC to order.
The opposition party warned that continued failure by security agencies to prevent attacks and prosecute those responsible could further erode public confidence in the electoral process.
Abdullahi said the ADC remained committed to issue-based campaigns and had adopted zero tolerance for religious incitement, hate speech and political violence.
He, however, warned that the party would deploy every legal and constitutional means available to protect its members, supporters and votes.
The ADC spokesman said the party would continue to pursue lawful channels for addressing attacks but cautioned that persistent failure by security agencies to protect opposition supporters could create pressure for members to defend themselves.
The party’s position comes amid growing concerns among opposition groups over political violence and the credibility of the 2027 electoral process. The ADC has in recent weeks repeatedly called for stronger safeguards around the neutrality of electoral and security institutions and the protection of votes.
