Tinubu govt using intimidation to weaken opposition - ADC

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council, ADC-PCC, has accused President Bola Tinubu's administration of using intimidation and suppression to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The council alleged that attacks on opposition leaders and members, demolition of campaign offices and denial of access to campaign venues were part of efforts to discourage political participation and undermine democratic freedoms.

In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the council cited the reported attack on its members in Kaduna, the alleged assault on its Sokoto State governorship candidate, Alhaji Munir Dan Iya, and other incidents involving opposition figures.

It also raised concerns over the reported demolition of its governorship campaign office in Kebbi State and the alleged denial of a campaign venue in Enugu State to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

"We have also witnessed attacks on AAC presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and other opposition voices. These incidents are deliberate attempts to intimidate Nigerians and create fear ahead of the 2027 general elections," the council said.

The ADC-PCC said the alleged actions threatened political pluralism and the constitutional right of citizens to freely participate in the electoral process.

The council recalled how public resistance contributed to the collapse of former President Olusegun Obasanjo's third-term agenda, arguing that Nigerians would also resist any attempt to limit political participation.

"The APC enjoyed the freedoms of opposition politics before coming to power and should extend the same democratic rights to other political parties. We are also concerned about the continued detention of our Vice Chairman and former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who is being unlawfully held and denied bail," the council said.

It warned that those responsible for his continued detention would be held accountable, adding that the matter had attracted international attention.

The ADC-PCC also alleged that financial inducements were being offered to some individuals to weaken opposition parties and compromise their loyalty.

However, it insisted that such efforts would not stop Nigerians from exercising their constitutional rights.

"President Tinubu is at liberty to corruptly buy a few consciences with money and material inducements. Millions of Naira are being offered to weak individuals to mortgage their rights, but not all Nigerians are for sale," the statement said.

The council urged Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations, to defend their right to choose their leaders and participate freely in the democratic process.

Tinubu govt using intimidation to weaken opposition - ADC