Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the attack on the office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State, describing the incident as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Suspected political thugs reportedly invaded the ADC office in Ubima Ward, Ikwerre Local Government Area, on Friday and set the facility ablaze.
The attack occurred shortly before a revalidation exercise by the party in the area. Former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who was on his way to the community for the event, was reportedly prevented from gaining access to the venue.
According to reports, Amaechi’s convoy was intercepted along the route by armed men, forcing him to halt his journey and preventing him from attending the exercise in his hometown.
Reacting in a statement on Friday night, Atiku condemned the incident and called for a thorough and independent investigation.
He said the attack represented a troubling escalation in attempts to weaken opposition forces in the country.
“The attack on the African Democratic Congress office in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, is condemned,” Atiku said.
“It is a dangerous development that efforts to weaken the opposition have now shifted to attacking its members and destroying its properties. These are not merely attacks on the opposition coalition ADC, but an assault on our democracy.”
Atiku also urged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the safety of opposition members and their property.
“The protection of the lives and properties of the opposition must, as a priority, be guaranteed by the Tinubu-led APC administration. That is the minimum expectation of Nigerians,” he added.
The former vice president further called for an independent investigation into the burning of the ADC secretariat, stressing that those responsible must be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He warned that failure to hold the perpetrators accountable could encourage further acts of violence against opposition figures.
Atiku also noted that the opposition is still awaiting the outcome of investigations into the alleged attack on Peter Obi and other ADC leaders during a recent political event in Benin City, Edo State.
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