By Abuja, Nigeria
A leading figure in the coalition, African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the attack on the (ADC) office in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, describing the incident as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement on Friday, the party chieftain said the torching of the party’s secretariat represents a dangerous escalation in attempts to weaken the opposition, warning that attacks are now targeting members and party properties.
According to the statement, such acts go beyond political rivalry and constitute an assault on democratic values. The former vice president called on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the protection of the lives and properties of opposition members, stressing that safeguarding political actors remains a fundamental responsibility of government.
“The protection of the lives and properties of the opposition must, as a priority, be guaranteed by the Tinubu-led administration. That is the minimum expectation of Nigerians,” the statement said.
He also demanded an independent investigation into the attack on the ADC secretariat in Ubima to ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
It warned that failure to bring the perpetrators to justice could embolden further acts of violence against opposition figures and their properties.
Atiku noted that it is still awaiting the outcome of investigations into a separate attack on its leaders, including former Peter Obi, during an event in Benin City, Edo State, last week.
