The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned a series of violent attacks, particularly the burning of its secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, describing them as a grave threat to democracy and political tolerance in Nigeria. The incident in Ado-Ekiti saw the party’s office at the Basiri Area razed in the early hours of Tuesday, destroying vital assets including office equipment, plastic chairs, canopies, and sound systems, many of which were rented for a scheduled affirmation ceremony. Hours later, suspected hoodlums regrouped, invading the venue of the planned ceremony, attacking party members, vandalizing vehicles and motorcycles, and disrupting preparations. Several members were reportedly injured and required hospital treatment.

Prominent figures within the ADC and beyond have voiced their outrage. Rauf Aregbesola, National Secretary of the ADC and former Interior Minister, who arrived at the Ado-Ekiti venue shortly after the second attack, denounced the incident as a “shameful display of intolerance” and a “dangerous signal for democracy.” He expressed regret that individuals who emerged through democratic processes would resort to violence to suppress opposition, likening the attacks to a “descent into fascism.” Aregbesola also criticized security agencies for their failure to protect party members and property, citing it as a constitutional violation. Similarly, Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, former Ekiti State Deputy Governor, labeled the incident “political terrorism,” lamenting the police's delayed response despite early reports of the midnight attack. Ekiti ADC Chairman Ilesanmi Omolayo alleged that the assault was an attempt to intimidate the party due to its growing popularity, while governorship aspirant Dare Bejide condemned it as barbaric.

The Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, confirmed the incidents, stating that Commissioner of Police Joseph Eribo had ordered a full-scale investigation to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators. However, the ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, has called for an independent investigation, stressing that the Ado-Ekiti attack is part of “coordinated nationwide attacks” against the party since the Opposition Coalition unveiled ADC as its party of choice in July. Abdullahi warned that democracy is under threat if opposition parties continue to be targeted with impunity, urging INEC, civil society, and international observers to intervene in this “quiet war” against opposition voices.

Indeed, the Ado-Ekiti arson is not an isolated event but part of a disturbing pattern of aggression targeting ADC members and facilities across several Nigerian states. In Kaduna, suspected thugs invaded an ADC transition meeting in August, injuring members and vandalizing vehicles amid allegations of police inaction. In Kebbi, the convoy of former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, an ADC figure, was ambushed in September, resulting in vehicle vandalism and injuries. The party also reported the use of judiciary and security agencies for intimidation. In Kogi, hoodlums stormed the ADC secretariat in Omala Local Government Area, destroying documents and furniture. In Lagos, an ADC rally in Alimosho was attacked by thugs, causing vehicle damage and injuries, an incident the Lagos Police Command denied knowledge of. In Edo, the ADC accused the state government and ruling party officials of issuing threats and restricting opposition activity. These incidents, the ADC asserts, form a clear, coordinated effort to silence opposition voices nationwide.

Reacting to the allegations, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Director of Publicity, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, denied the party's involvement, stating that the APC does not engage in arson or criminality and urged the ADC to provide evidence to law enforcement agencies. He also called on security agencies to fulfill their duties.

Political analyst Dr. Jide Ojo described the escalating trend of attacks on opposition members as a dangerous development for Nigeria’s democracy, highlighting a growing culture of political intolerance that threatens constitutional governance. Ojo urged the APC leadership to caution its members, reminding them of their past as an opposition party that benefited from a free political environment. He stressed that the pattern of attacks, especially outside campaign season, is “uncalled for” and risks eroding public trust in democratic institutions. While the APC denies involvement, he noted that circumstances often suggest otherwise (“there’s no smoke without fire”). Ojo called for the ruling party to promote political tolerance and for security agencies to be more proactive, contrasting the situation with Anambra State where political violence has remained minimal despite an approaching election. Despite the destruction, the ADC has vowed to continue its affirmation ceremony and mobilize ahead of future elections, stating, “Whether in a hall or under a tree, we will continue to build and organize.”