Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the disruption of the opening of the African Democratic Congress secretariat in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Mr Obi, reacting on Sunday, described the incident as an attack on democratic values after suspected political thugs stormed the venue of the event on Saturday, destroying equipment and dispersing party supporters gathered for the ceremony.
In a statement posted on X, the ADC 2026 presidential candidate said the incident reflected a disturbing decline in democratic standards in Nigeria.
“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,” Mr Obi said.
“When thugs can storm a party office and destroy property without facing arrest, it reflects how dangerously low our democratic standards have fallen,” he added.
The former Anambra governor also warned that the continued tolerance of political misconduct could push 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 said.
“The ability for individuals to present forged certificates for election sends a troubling message to our society. If we continue down this path, violence may become the future of our democracy.”
Disruption
The incident occurred on Saturday during a planned opening ceremony of an ADC secretariat in Bakassi.
According to reports, a group of suspected political thugs invaded the venue, disrupting the event and damaging property prepared for the launch.
Witnesses said the attackers destroyed canopies, chairs, loudspeakers and other equipment arranged for the ceremony while supporters fled the scene.
A video circulating on social media showed several youths dismantling the setup while shouting that the party would not be allowed to operate in the council area.
In the footage, a man believed to be leading the group was heard directing others to scatter the items, claiming the party was absent when development efforts were taking place in the community.
Official Response
The Nigeria Police Force in Cross River confirmed the incident and described the attackers as hoodlums.
The command said officers were deployed to the area to restore order following the disruption.
The attack has raised fresh concerns over political intolerance and the safety of party activities ahead of future elections.
Political analysts say such incidents could discourage opposition parties from expanding their presence in certain areas if security concerns are not addressed.
Background
The Bakassi incident comes months after suspected thugs in Benin City reportedly attacked Mr Obi and several ADC chieftains.
The attack occurred shortly after Mr Obi, alongside former All Progressives Congress National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun and other party figures, visited the ADC secretariat, where the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, was formally welcomed into the party.
Following that incident, the Department of State Services announced the arrest of a suspect, Udeme Sunday Stephen, believed to be linked to the attack on Mr Obi and other party leaders.
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