The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of orchestrating a coordinated campaign of intimidation against opposition parties, warning that no government can crush the democratic aspirations of Nigerians.
In a statement on Sunday by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the Council said the incidents unfolding across the country went beyond ordinary political rivalry.
It alleged they formed a disturbing pattern of harassment and suppression of opposition voices, designed to frighten Nigerians ahead of the general elections.
The statement recalled attacks on ADC leaders and members in Kaduna, as well as the reported assault on the party’s Sokoto State governorship candidate, Alhaji Munir Dan Iya, by operatives of the Sokoto Marshals along Airport Road, Sokoto. It also cited alleged attacks on other opposition figures.
The Council further pointed to 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.
It also referenced reported attacks on the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, describing all of these as evidence of an emerging pattern of political intolerance.
According to the ADC-PCC, the alleged attacks, denial of campaign venues, arrests and harassment 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 aspirations of Nigerians. It recalled 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 benefited from political participation and opposition politics when they were outside government, insisting that the same freedoms must be guaranteed to all 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 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 also alleged that financial inducements were being used 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 urged Nigerians to remain committed to defending democratic values, freedom of association and the right to political choice, regardless of political affiliation.
Reaffirming its mission, the Council said the ADC was determined to offer 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.
