ADC’s Bolaji Abdullahi Accuses APC, Government of Denying Opposition a Level Playing Field

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and government authorities of failing to provide a level playing field for opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing political violence, restrictions on campaign materials, and what it described as inadequate police response to attacks on its members.

By: Tunji Okunlola

The Press Conference

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, addressed the media on Monday 21st September 2026 at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, where he laid out a dossier of documented incidents the party says have created an unequal and unsafe environment for opposition political activity between July 2025 and September 2026.

Documented Attacks and Violence

Abdullahi said the ADC had compiled records of attacks on political meetings, destruction of party property, assaults on political participants, and threats against citizens over their political affiliations. He listed nine states where these incidents occurred: Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Osun, Kogi and Enugu.

Specific incidents he cited include:

• An attack on the ADC secretariat in Benin City, Edo State, in February
• Reported gunshots fired at the residence of former Edo State governor and former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, during a gathering of political leaders
• The killing of an ADC member identified as Kamadiyoi, allegedly during an attack on party members preparing for a political meeting in Community Ward One, Odua Local Government Area, Rivers State.
• Further reported attacks in Enugu and Kogi states, with several members allegedly injured.

Abdullahi said that while the Edo State Police Command had confirmed the Benin secretariat attack and the incident at Oyegun’s residence and announced investigations, the party had not been informed of any arrests, prosecutions, or investigative outcomes.

Uneven Campaign Conditions

Central to the “level playing field” complaint, Abdullahi criticised what he called the dominance of APC posters and billboards across Abuja, arguing that restrictions and high charges for political advertising were limiting opposition parties’ ability to campaign. He argued that election credibility should not be judged solely by conduct on election day, but by whether parties can hold meetings, campaign, and advertise candidates without obstruction beforehand.

Calls on Police and the Presidency

Abdullahi called on Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to publicly account for investigations into the reported incidents, stating: “The Nigerian police is not APC police; it is the police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” He said the ADC was not seeking special treatment, but rather enforcement of existing laws to allow citizens to organise and campaign without fear.

He also addressed President Bola Tinubu directly, referencing a widely reported statement attributed to the president that “all is fair in politics.” Abdullahi urged the president to either clarify or retract the remark, arguing it could be interpreted by some as justification for political violence or intimidation against opponents. He additionally cited controversial remarks attributed to APC Senator Francis Fadahunsi and Kuje Area Council Chairman Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo as contributing to rising political tension.

Party’s Position on Non-Violence

Abdullahi stressed that the ADC itself does not support violence, noting that party National Chairman, Senator David Mark, had directed ADC candidates to avoid divisive rhetoric or statements that could inflame ethnic or religious tensions. “We stand for non-violence,” he said. “We have told our candidates to avoid any form of rhetoric that is likely to incite violence.”

He nonetheless warned that continued attacks, if unaddressed, could push affected communities toward “self-help” and erode public confidence in participating in political activity, with one outlet quoting him as saying: “We are getting close. We cannot ask our people to continue to turn the other cheek when they are being slapped all the time. We are not pastors or imams… We are running a political party.”

International Observers

Abdullahi urged Nigeria’s international partners and election observers to scrutinise the pre-election environment as closely as election day conduct, arguing that free and fair elections require that opposition parties be able to organise, campaign and hold meetings without intimidation.

#President Bola Ahmed Tinubu #Bolaji Abdullahi #ADC #APC #Nigeria Police Force #INEC