By Jude Opara
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the burning of its Ekiti State office in Ado-Ekiti, describing it as a calculated act of political intimidation aimed at silencing the opposition.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the attack occurred just hours before its planned “Reconfiguration and Affirmation Ceremony.”
Abdullahi said the incident was a deliberate attempt to terrorize the opposition ahead of the state’s governorship election.
He called the attack “criminal and undemocratic,” saying it was a disgrace to anyone who claims to believe in democracy and political freedom.
The party said this was not an isolated case, noting that its offices and members had faced similar attacks in Kaduna, Lagos, Kebbi, Kogi, and Edo States since the Opposition Coalition declared ADC its preferred platform in July.
Abdullahi said such repeated incidents formed “a dangerous pattern” that should worry everyone.
He also criticized the authorities for their silence, saying any government that ignores attacks on opposition parties is inviting chaos.
Abdullahi said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was behind the attacks because it feared the growing influence of the ADC.
He explained that the party’s popularity was rising among Nigerians who were tired of the failures of the current administration.
According to him, the fire in Ekiti only proved that the APC was worried about ADC’s growing support.
“The fire in Ekiti is further confirmation that the APC is afraid of the rising wave of the ADC.”
The ADC called on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are punished. It also urged INEC, civil society groups, and international observers to pay close attention to the situation.
Despite the attack, Abdullahi said the party’s planned event in Ekiti would still go on.
He added that even if they had to hold it outdoors, the ceremony would proceed, stressing that violence would not stop the ADC from moving forward.
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