Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have vehemently condemned recent acts of suspected political thuggery and violence targeting the party in Rivers State. These incidents, which include the burning of an ADC office and the obstruction of a prominent political figure, are being described as a dangerous assault on democracy and a concerning pattern of intimidation against opposition groups.

Reports indicate that gunmen invaded the ADC office in Ubima Ward, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, on a Friday, setting the facility ablaze. This attack was swiftly followed by another incident involving former state governor, Rotimi Amaechi. While en route to the same ward for an ongoing African Democratic Congress revalidation exercise, Amaechi's convoy was intercepted by armed men, preventing him from gaining access to his community and the event venue.

Reacting to the developments, Atiku Abubakar issued a statement condemning the attacks on opposition leaders and calling for a thorough and independent investigation into the Friday incident in Rivers State. He described the burning of the ADC office as a "dangerous development," asserting that efforts to weaken the opposition have alarmingly escalated to direct attacks on members and the destruction of party properties. Abubakar emphasized that such actions are not merely attacks on the ADC but a direct assault on Nigeria's democracy, urging the Tinubu-led APC administration to prioritize the protection of the lives and properties of the opposition as a minimum expectation of Nigerians.

In a similar vein, the African Democratic Congress, through its spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi, strongly condemned the "criminal attack" on its Secretariat in Ubima, Rivers State. Abdullahi articulated that the arson was not only an attack on the ADC as a political party but also a "direct assault on democracy, political tolerance, and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate and participate in the democratic process."

Both condemnations highlighted these incidents as part of a broader, disturbing pattern of intimidation and violence. Atiku Abubakar referenced awaiting the outcome of an investigation into a previous attack on Mr. Peter Obi and other ADC leaders in Benin, Edo State. Bolaji Abdullahi further noted that just days prior, ADC members were shot at during a political gathering, underscoring the escalating nature of these targeted actions. While reaffirming the ADC's commitment to peaceful and law-abiding democratic engagement, Abdullahi warned against assumptions that those who choose violence believe others are incapable of defending themselves, asserting that the party "will not stand by and allow our members, supporters, and facilities to become easy targets for political thuggery." Calls for the prosecution of those responsible for these acts of violence are central to ensuring accountability and preventing further political instability.