The African Democratic Congress has condemned the attack on its members in Kaduna State, warning that the introduction of political thuggery into the 2027 electoral process could have dangerous consequences.
The party, in a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the attack as an unacceptable escalation at a time when political activities ahead of the 2027 elections were just beginning.
The ADC warned political actors against using violence as a tool of political competition, saying such conduct could spiral beyond the control of those promoting it.
“Let nobody mistake our commitment to peaceful democratic participation for weakness. No political party has a monopoly on non-state sanctioned violence. Once violence becomes an accepted instrument of political competition, nobody can predict where it ends.”
The party called on security agencies to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice, including individuals who may have sponsored or organised the attack.
“This is why the security agencies must act now. Those responsible for the attack, as well as anyone who sponsored or organised it, must be identified, arrested and prosecuted,” the statement said.
The ADC also expressed solidarity with its governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Hon. Isa Ashiru, and other members affected by the incident.
It called on the Kaduna State Government to take steps to guarantee the safety of opposition parties and their members as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party insisted that Kaduna State belonged to all its residents and warned that attempts to intimidate its members would not force it out of the political contest.
“Kaduna belongs to its people, not to any party. If anyone believes intimidation will frighten the ADC off the political field, they have badly miscalculated.”
The ADC said it remained committed to organising and campaigning across the state, stressing that the outcome of the 2027 elections should be determined by voters at the ballot box rather than through violence.
“We will not be intimidated. We will organise, we will campaign, and we will compete in every part of Kaduna State. The 2027 elections must be decided by ideas competing at the ballot box, not by thugs and bruises,” the party said.
