Obi Condemns Attack On ADC Secretariat in Cross River as ‘Attack on Democracy’
Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the disruption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat opening in Bakassi Local Government Area, Cross River State, calling it “an attack on democracy itself.”
In a statement on X, Obi said the incident, carried out by suspected thugs, highlighted a dangerous decline in Nigeria’s democratic standards.
“What occurred at the ADC office in Bakassi, Cross River State, is not merely an attack on a political party; it is an attack on democracy itself,” Obi said.
He added, “When thugs can storm a party office and destroy property without facing arrest, it reflects how dangerously low our democratic standards have fallen.”
Obi also warned that the erosion of leadership standards and tolerance of political misconduct could drive the country towards violence.
“In the current state of Nigeria, what can we expect when leadership standards have plummeted to the extent that qualification, certification, and credibility are no longer deemed necessary for public office?” he asked.
He further criticised the acceptance of forged certificates in elections, saying, “If we continue down this path, violence may become the future of our democracy. Fraud and violence cannot create true leadership; they will only result in chaos, which will ultimately affect our children and us.”
The disruption occurred on Saturday when suspected political thugs stormed the ADC secretariat in Bakassi, dispersing party supporters and destroying canopies, loudspeakers, chairs, and other equipment arranged for the event.
A video circulating online showed youths dismantling the setup while shouting that the ADC would not be allowed to operate in the council area. A man believed to be leading the group claimed the party had not contributed to local development.
The Cross River State Police Command described the attackers as hoodlums and said officers were deployed to restore order.
The Bakassi incident comes months after Obi and other ADC chieftains were reportedly attacked in Benin City, Edo State, shortly after welcoming former Labour Party governorship candidate Olumide Akpata into the party.
Following that attack, the Department of State Services arrested Udeme Sunday Stephen, believed to be linked to the incident in Edo State.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
