The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has condemned what it described as a sustained, coordinated and state-sponsored assault on democracy, freedom of association and the constitutional right of Nigerians to political participation under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Council said the unfolding incidents across the country went beyond ordinary political rivalry, alleging that they represented a disturbing pattern of intimidation, harassment and suppression of opposition voices.
These are calculated atrocious actions skewed to scare Nigerians ahead of the general elections.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC recalled a series of incidents, including attacks on its leaders and members in Kaduna, the reported assault on its Sokoto State governorship candidate, Alhaji Munir Dan Iya, by operatives of the Sokoto Marshals along Airport Road, Sokoto, and alleged attacks on other opposition figures.
It also cited the reported demolition of its governorship campaign office in Kebbi State and the alleged denial of a campaign venue in Enugu State to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.
The Council further referenced the reported attacks on the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, and other opposition voices, describing the incidents as part of what it called an emerging pattern of political intolerance.
According to the ADC-PCC, the alleged attacks, denial of campaign venues, arrests, harassment and intimidation of opposition figures raise serious concerns about the state of democratic freedoms and political pluralism in Nigeria.
The Council maintained that no government, regardless of its political or institutional strength, could successfully suppress the democratic aspirations of Nigerians, recalling that popular resistance contributed to the collapse of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term agenda.
It also argued that President Tinubu and the APC enjoyed the benefits of political participation and opposition politics when they were outside government, insisting that those same democratic freedoms must be guaranteed to all political parties and their members.
The ADC-PCC expressed concern over the continued detention of its Vice Chairman and former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that he was being unlawfully held and denied his right to bail.
It warned that the circumstances surrounding his detention would not weaken the party, adding that the international community was watching developments in Nigeria.
“The world is watching, and the burden of this illegality rests squarely on those responsible,” the Council stated.
The campaign council further alleged that financial inducements were being deployed to compromise individuals and weaken opposition ranks, but insisted that Nigerians would not surrender their constitutional rights for monetary or material benefits.
“President Tinubu is at liberty to corruptly buy a few consciences with money and material inducements. Millions of Naira are being offered to weak individuals to mortgage their rights, but not all Nigerians are for sale,” the statement declared.
The ADC-PCC called on Nigerians to remain committed to defending democratic values, freedom of association and the right to political choice, regardless of political affiliation.
Reaffirming its commitment to its political mission, the Council declared that the ADC was determined to provide an alternative political platform and contribute to what it described as the rescue of the country.
“The ADC has come to rescue this country.
“This too shall pass. Nigeria will endure and democracy will prevail,” the statement concluded
