The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned the burning of its state office in Ado-Ekiti, calling it a politically motivated attack meant to silence the opposition. The party described the act as “criminal and cowardly,” insisting that such violence only proves the ruling party’s fear of growing opposition support in the state.

In a statement issued by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the attack happened a few hours before its scheduled “Reconfiguration and Affirmation Ceremony.” Abdullahi alleged that the arson was deliberately carried out to intimidate ADC members ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Ekiti State.

The party lamented that this was not an isolated case, pointing out that similar attacks on ADC offices and members had been recorded in Kaduna, Lagos, Kebbi, Kogi, and Edo States. Abdullahi said these incidents were forming a “dangerous pattern” that could threaten Nigeria’s democracy if left unchecked. He criticized the silence of security agencies and government authorities, warning that ignoring such attacks could lead to political instability.

According to Abdullahi, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was behind the attack because it was alarmed by ADC’s growing popularity among voters. He said Nigerians were increasingly embracing the ADC as a credible alternative after years of disappointment with the current administration. “The fire in Ekiti only confirms that APC is worried about the rising strength of the ADC,” he added.

Despite the setback, Abdullahi assured that the planned ADC event in Ekiti would go on as scheduled. He said the party refused to be intimidated by political violence, stressing that even if the program had to be held outdoors, it would proceed. “Violence cannot stop us,” he said, urging security agencies, INEC, and international observers to take the situation seriously and ensure justice is served.