ADC condemns Arson attack on Ubima secretariat, calls for urgent investigation
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the burning of its party secretariat in Ubima, the hometown of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, describing the incident as a “criminal attack on democracy” and a “dangerous escalation of political violence.”
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Friday the ADC called on security agencies to investigate the attack immediately, identify and apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure that justice is served.
“The African Democratic Congress strongly condemns the criminal attack on our party secretariat in Ubima, which was burnt to the ground last night by thugs,” the statement read.
“This fire is not only an attack on the African Democratic Congress as a political party, it is also a direct assault on democracy, political tolerance, and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate and participate in the democratic process.”
The party said the arson is part of a “troubling pattern” of intimidation against its members and supporters.
It noted that just a few days earlier, some ADC members were shot at during a political gathering, and other party offices across the country have faced attacks and acts of vandalism in recent months.
According to the statement, the repeated attacks on its offices and members appear designed to disrupt the party’s activities and intimidate supporters.
While reaffirming its commitment to peaceful democratic engagement, the ADC warned that restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.
“Those who believe they can intimidate opposition parties through arson, violence, and criminal attacks should not assume others are incapable of defending themselves,” the statement added.
The party urged law enforcement agencies to conduct thorough investigations and prosecute both the perpetrators and sponsors of the political violence.
It warned that failure to hold the culprits accountable could embolden others to use violence to silence political participation.
Despite the attack, the ADC said it remains steadfast in promoting democratic values and political engagement.
“No amount of intimidation, arson, or destruction will weaken our commitment to building a democratic Nigeria founded on justice, fairness, and the rule of law,” the statement said.
