The African Democratic Congress has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of promoting political violence across the country, alleging that its members have repeatedly attacked opposition supporters and disrupted their political activities.
The ADC Presidential Campaign Council made the allegation in a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, while reacting to the APC Presidential Campaign Council's condemnation of attacks on opposition parties during political gatherings.
The opposition party described the APC's position as hypocritical, accusing it of attempting to distance itself from the growing tension surrounding political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It alleged that APC supporters had disrupted opposition gatherings, attacked members, destroyed campaign materials and prevented rival parties from accessing public venues in several states, including Edo, Cross River, Gombe and Lagos.
The council also accused APC-controlled states of frustrating opposition campaigns through the alleged demolition of party offices, restrictions on political posters and billboards, denial of rally venues and the imposition of what it called exorbitant charges for organising political events.
It specifically blamed the ruling party for the disruption of the Nigeria Democratic Congress's scheduled town hall meeting in Lagos on Thursday, describing the incident as part of an alleged pattern of intimidation and political sabotage.
The ADC-PCC questioned the APC's sudden condemnation of political violence, recalling alleged attacks on its members, disrupted rallies and destruction of its campaign billboards. It urged President Bola Tinubu to heed the advice of elder statesman, Prof Jerry Gana, by ensuring that political activities were conducted peacefully.
The council said it was compiling records of alleged attacks against its members for submission to relevant international judicial and human rights institutions. It, however, reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful campaigns, insisting that intimidation would not stop the party from mobilising Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections.
