‘Assault on Democracy’ — Peter Obi Reacts to Attack on ADC Office in C’River

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the disruption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat opening in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State, describing it as “an attack on democracy itself.”

In a statement shared on X, Obi said the incident, allegedly carried out by suspected thugs, highlights a troubling decline in Nigeria’s democratic standards.

“What happened at the ADC office in Bakassi is not just an attack on a political party; it is an attack on democracy itself,” he said.

“When thugs can invade a party office, destroy property, and face no immediate consequences, it shows how dangerously low our democratic values have fallen.”

Obi warned that declining leadership standards and the tolerance of political misconduct could push the country towards instability.

“In today’s Nigeria, what should we expect when leadership standards have dropped so low that qualification, certification, and credibility are no longer prioritised for public office?” he asked.

“The acceptance of forged credentials in the political space sends a dangerous signal. If this trend continues, violence may become the future of our democracy.

“Fraud and violence cannot produce genuine leadership; they only breed chaos, and that chaos will ultimately affect all of us, including future generations.”

The former Anambra State governor spoke after suspected political thugs disrupted the planned opening of an ADC secretariat in Bakassi on Saturday.

According to reports, the attackers stormed the venue, scattered party supporters, and destroyed canopies, chairs, loudspeakers, and other equipment prepared for the event.

A viral video showed a group of youths dismantling the setup while insisting the ADC would not be allowed to operate in the area.

Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Command described the attackers as hoodlums and said officers had been deployed to restore order.

The Bakassi disruption comes months after Obi and other ADC leaders were reportedly attacked in Benin City.

The incident occurred shortly after Obi, alongside John Odigie-Oyegun and other party figures, returned from an ADC event where Olumide Akpata was formally received into the party.

Following that attack, the Department of State Services confirmed the arrest of a suspect, Udeme Sunday Stephen, in connection with the incident.