Ekiti Guber: ADC accuses APC of intimidation after office set ablaze 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the burning of its Ekiti State office in Ado-Ekiti, describing the incident as a politically motivated attack designed to silence the opposition and instil fear ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the arson attack occurred just hours before its scheduled “Reconfiguration and Affirmation Ceremony,” calling it “a criminal and undemocratic act that disgraces anyone who claims to believe in democracy.”

Abdullahi alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was behind the attack, accusing the ruling party of being jittery over the growing popularity of the ADC across the country.

He stated that similar attacks on ADC offices and members had been recorded in Kaduna, Lagos, Kebbi, Kogi, and Edo States since the Opposition Coalition adopted ADC as its preferred political platform in July.

According to him, these repeated incidents form “a dangerous pattern of intimidation that should concern every Nigerian.”

The ADC spokesperson criticised the authorities for their silence, warning that any government that fails to act against such violence is inviting political chaos.

Abdullahi maintained that the fire incident in Ekiti was clear evidence that the APC was threatened by the ADC’s rising influence among Nigerians disenchanted with the current administration.

He added, “The fire in Ekiti is further confirmation that the APC is afraid of the rising wave of the ADC.”

The ADC urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. 

The party also called on INEC, civil society organisations, and international observers to closely monitor the situation to prevent further escalation.

Despite the attack, Abdullahi affirmed that the planned ceremony in Ekiti would proceed as scheduled, even if it had to be held outdoors, stressing that “violence will not stop the ADC from moving forward.”