The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of acting like a terrorist organisation following a violent attack on its members during a political gathering in Alimosho, Lagos State.
According to the ADC, armed thugs believed to be working for the APC stormed the event venue, which was located within church premises, vandalised vehicles, seized property, and injured several attendees. The event was attended by party leaders, including former Labour Party candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, who was formally announcing his defection to the ADC.
In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, the ADC condemned the attack as “a desecration of a place of worship and an alarming sign of rising political violence.” The statement was signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
“The invasion of a church premises by government-backed thugs is a profound act of sacrilege by a jittery ruling party desperate to silence opposition voices,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC further alleged that the Alimosho incident is not an isolated case but part of a nationwide pattern of intimidation against its members. It listed recent threats and attacks in various states, including:
Harassment in Kogi,
Disruption of meetings in Kaduna,
Closure of a private radio station in Niger,
Assault on party convoys in Kebbi,
And threats to members in Edo State.
“These are not random events,” the party claimed. “They show a disturbing trend where the ruling party is using force to suppress opposition activity across the country.”
The party also cited a recent Canadian court ruling that allegedly labelled the APC as a terrorist organisation, saying the Lagos church attack only reinforces such international perceptions.
“If churches and other places of worship are no longer regarded as sacred by APC-sponsored goons, how does the ruling party expect Nigerians and the world to believe it is not a terrorist organisation? Attacking places of worship is the very definition of terrorism,” Abdullahi added.
The ADC called on the Nigeria Police Force to act swiftly and independently to investigate the attack and arrest those involved. It urged law enforcement not to allow itself to be used as a political tool by the ruling party.
“The police have a constitutional duty to protect all Nigerians and must not become an enforcement arm of the APC. Justice must be served swiftly and transparently. Nigerians and the international community are watching,” the party warned.
The ADC also criticised the APC’s alleged use of violence as a campaign tool ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Instead of showing Nigerians the results of good governance, the APC is resorting to intimidation and thuggery. This is not democracy; it is dictatorship,” the statement concluded.
As of press time, the APC has not responded to the allegations. The police have also not issued a statement regarding the Alimosho incident.
