The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government of using security agencies to stifle political opposition, raising concerns about the independence of law enforcement in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi condemned recent actions by the police in Kaduna, including the summoning of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and other party leaders over alleged public disturbances. Abdullahi described these moves as politically motivated, aimed at intimidating opposition figures and curbing dissenting voices.
He called on the Federal Government and the Inspector General of Police to immediately withdraw the summons and halt what he termed as deliberate attempts to silence opposition parties.
Abdullahi further demanded that the police disclose the identities of individuals who filed complaints leading to the investigations, stressing the public’s right to know those responsible for instigating the legal actions.
The ADC also urged security agencies to take prompt action in apprehending and prosecuting those responsible for the attack on former Attorney General Abubakar Malami’s convoy in Kebbi State, as well as those who disrupted the party’s stakeholders’ meeting in Kaduna. Abdullahi expressed concern that failure to hold perpetrators accountable could encourage further politically motivated acts of violence.
He concluded by urging the Federal Government to redirect the focus of the Nigeria Police toward protecting citizens and property rather than serving as instruments of political suppression. Abdullahi reaffirmed the ADC’s commitment to defending its leaders and members, emphasizing that the party would not be intimidated by such actions.
