The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of behaving like a terrorist organization following an attack on its members at a church event in the Alimosho area of Lagos State.
The event, which was held on church premises, was attended by ADC leaders including Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, who formally declared his defection to the party. According to the ADC, the gathering was violently disrupted by political thugs allegedly sponsored by the APC.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC condemned the incident, describing it as a grave violation of a sacred space and part of a growing pattern of political intimidation.
“The invasion of a church by government-backed political thugs is a clear desecration and a new low in APC’s desperate attempt to suppress opposition,” Abdullahi said.
The party claimed the Lagos attack is part of a broader trend, citing threats to party leaders in Edo State, harassment in Kogi, a radio station shutdown in Niger, disrupted meetings in Kaduna, and attacks on convoys in Kebbi.
The ADC warned that the APC’s actions, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, are indicative of a political culture driven by fear and desperation.
The party also referenced a recent Canadian court ruling that reportedly classified the APC as a terrorist organization, arguing that continued violence only reinforces that perception.
“If churches are no longer safe from political thuggery, how can the APC claim it is not operating like a terrorist group? Attacking places of worship is the hallmark of extremism,” Abdullahi added.
The ADC urged the Nigeria Police Force to maintain neutrality and resist being used for political purposes. It called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved in the Lagos attack and similar incidents across the country.
“The police must act swiftly to bring the perpetrators in Lagos, Kaduna, Kebbi, and elsewhere to justice. The credibility of our democratic institutions is under scrutiny,” the party said.
In conclusion, the ADC stated that the APC’s reliance on violence is a sign of political failure, asserting that it would continue its engagement with Nigerians peacefully but would not remain passive in the face of aggression.
“We will not be silenced. Our commitment to peaceful, constructive engagement remains firm, but we will defend our right to participate in the democratic process,” the statement read.
