The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to investigate an alleged attack on its members during a ward meeting in Ejule-Alla Ward, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The party said the incident occurred on Tuesday during a meeting held at the residence of the ADC ward chairman.
According to the ADC, the meeting was allegedly disrupted by political thugs suspected by the party to be loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party further claimed that several of its members sustained injuries during the incident.
The allegations have not been independently established in the statement, and there was no response from the APC included in the account provided.
ADC Demands Investigation
Reacting to the reported incident, ADC Zonal Chairman, Adaji John Udale, urged security agencies to investigate what happened and identify those responsible.
Udale described the alleged attack as an assault on democratic participation and citizens’ constitutional right to freely associate and participate in political activities.
“We urge the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS and other security agencies to urgently investigate this incident and bring those responsible to justice,” he said.
The party said a political meeting conducted peacefully should not be disrupted through violence or intimidation, stressing the need for security agencies to protect participants in political activities.
Incident Occurred in Deputy Governor’s Hometown
The ADC also expressed concern over the location of the alleged incident.
Ejule-Alla Ward is identified in the statement as the hometown of Kogi State Deputy Governor, Comrade Salifu Oyibo.
Udale urged authorities and political actors to ensure that political disagreements do not degenerate into violence, particularly as political parties intensify their activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The ADC said the location of the incident made the matter particularly concerning and called on relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the disruption.
Appeal to Community Leaders
Beyond the call for a security investigation, the ADC appealed to Igala socio-cultural organisations and community leaders to speak out against political violence.
The party urged traditional, community and socio-cultural leaders to use their influence to discourage attacks on members of opposing political parties.
According to Udale, political differences should be managed through dialogue, persuasion and participation in elections rather than through intimidation or violence.
The party maintained that political competition should provide room for opposing groups to organise, campaign and hold meetings without fear of attacks.
ADC Urges Members to Remain Calm
The party also appealed to members affected by the alleged incident to remain calm and law-abiding while the matter is pursued through the appropriate channels.
The ADC assured its members that it would continue its political activities peacefully while seeking justice over the reported attack.
The development comes amid preparations for the 2027 general elections, when political parties are expected to intensify grassroots mobilisation, ward meetings and other political activities across the country.
The ADC’s call for an investigation places the focus on the security agencies to establish what happened during the Ejule-Alla Ward meeting, determine whether any offences were committed and, where appropriate, identify those responsible.
