The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned a series of violent incidents, including the burning of its party secretariat in Ubima, the hometown of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and a gun attack on Amaechi himself. The party described these events as a criminal assault on democracy and a dangerous escalation of political violence within Nigeria.

According to a statement from Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC's National Publicity Secretary, the party views the arson attack as part of a disturbing trend of intimidation against its members and supporters. The ADC highlighted previous attacks, including instances where its members were shot at during a political gathering and other party offices faced vandalism in recent months. The party emphasized that the burning of its secretariat is not just an attack on its organization but a direct assault on democratic principles, political tolerance, and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate and participate in the democratic process.

Former Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, who is also the leader of the ADC in the South-South, narrowly escaped a gun attack on Friday while traveling to Ubima for his e-registration as a party member. Gunmen, suspected to be political thugs, attacked his convoy between Ubima and the neighboring Omuanwa community. His security team engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes. Prior to this incident, the same suspected thugs had reportedly set ablaze the Ward 8 office of the ADC in Ubima. Residents also reported that on Thursday night, the thugs fired shots at the gate of Amaechi's family residence, anticipating his visit. Furthermore, party members had been attacked earlier that day in Igwuruta community during a sensitization program, and roadblocks were mounted to prevent ADC supporters from reaching the registration event.

Amaechi called for calm among his supporters and commended the security agencies for their prompt and professional response. He specifically thanked the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their intervention. Both the ADC and Amaechi have called on law enforcement agencies to conduct thorough investigations, identify and apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure that both those who carried out the attacks and their sponsors are brought to justice. They warned that failure to hold accountable those responsible could embolden individuals who believe violence can be used to silence political participation, leading citizens to potentially resort to self-help.

The ADC stressed its unwavering commitment to peaceful democratic engagement, asserting that its restraint should not be mistaken for weakness. The party vowed to take all lawful steps necessary to protect its members, supporters, and facilities nationwide. Amaechi also urged the state government to strengthen security across Rivers State, particularly during election periods, and encouraged ADC members to intensify mobilization efforts, register en masse, and work towards the party's ultimate goal of winning the presidency. Despite the acts of intimidation and destruction, the ADC reiterated its resolve to build a democratic Nigeria founded on justice, fairness, and the rule of law.