Democracy Under Fire: ADC Coalition Decries Assault on PDP Headquarters

 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Coalition has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the violent attack on the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warning that the incident signals a dangerous deterioration of Nigeria’s democratic environment.

The attack, which reportedly occurred late Sunday night, was carried out by unidentified hoodlums who stormed the PDP headquarters, destroying property, disrupting activities, and leaving staff and party members in fear for their safety. According to eyewitnesses, the assailants arrived in groups, wielding dangerous weapons and causing significant damage before fleeing the scene.

In its reaction, the ADC Coalition described the incident as “barbaric, provocative, and a direct assault on the soul of Nigerian democracy.” The coalition warned that the use of violence to settle political scores or intimidate opposition groups is a threat that must be confronted decisively.

“This attack is not just against the PDP,” the statement read. “It is an attack on every Nigerian who believes in democratic governance, peaceful political engagement, and the sanctity of political institutions. What happened is unacceptable and must never be allowed to take root as part of our political culture.”

The coalition stressed that democracy thrives only when all political actors operate within the confines of the law and respect democratic norms. It further expressed concern that political violence, if unchecked, could escalate ahead of forthcoming elections, thereby undermining public trust in the electoral process.

The ADC Coalition called on law enforcement agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services (DSS), to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the attack, identify the masterminds, and prosecute those responsible. It emphasized that swift action is necessary not only to deliver justice but also to send a clear message that violence has no place in Nigeria’s democracy.

“We call on security agencies to demonstrate professionalism and impartiality in handling this matter,” the coalition stated. “Failure to address this incident transparently could embolden perpetrators and encourage further attacks on political parties, candidates, and democratic institutions.”

The coalition also urged political leaders across party lines to denounce the attack and commit to peaceful political engagement, noting that silence in the face of violence only fuels further division and instability.

Meanwhile, PDP officials have condemned the assault, describing it as a cowardly attempt to destabilize the party and instill fear among its members. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, party sources disclosed that several offices were vandalized and important documents may have been destroyed.

Civil society organizations and pro-democracy groups have also joined in condemning the attack, calling it a worrying sign of rising political intolerance. Many are urging the federal government to take stronger measures to ensure the safety of political institutions ahead of the upcoming election cycle.

As investigations continue, the ADC Coalition reiterated its commitment to working with other political and civil society stakeholders to defend Nigeria’s democracy, urging citizens to remain vigilant and reject violence in all forms.