ADC Warns Against Political Violence After Kaduna Attack

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the reported attack on its members in Kaduna State, warning that the introduction of political violence and thuggery into the 2027 electoral process could have dangerous consequences.

The party said the incident was an unacceptable escalation, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections are only beginning.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC cautioned political actors against mistaking its commitment to peaceful democratic participation for weakness.

“Let nobody mistake our commitment to peaceful democratic participation for weakness. No political party has a monopoly on non-state sanctioned violence,” Abdullahi said.

He warned that once violence becomes an accepted tool of political competition, its consequences could become difficult to control, urging security agencies to urgently investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.

“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,” he said.

The ADC expressed solidarity with its Kaduna governorship candidate, Hon. Isa Ashiru, and other members affected by the incident, while calling on the Kaduna State Government to ensure the safety of opposition parties and their supporters.

“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 party said.

The ADC maintained that it would continue to organise, campaign and compete across Kaduna State, insisting that the 2027 elections should be determined by voters at the ballot box rather than intimidation or violence.

“The 2027 elections must be decided by ideas competing at the ballot box, not by thugs and bruises,” the party added.