The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a strong condemnation of the violent disruption of its official party activities in Borno State. The party has firmly backed the legitimacy of the recent inaugurations that were targeted, while simultaneously announcing a significant political gain in Oyo State.
ADC Denounces Violence, Affirms Legitimacy of Borno Inaugurations
In a statement released on 16 January 2026, the ADC's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, clarified that the inauguration of the Borno State Transitional Committee and the Membership Registration Committees was fully authorized. The event, which saw Mallam Kashim Imam installed as chairman, was conducted in strict compliance with guidelines from the party's National Working Committee (NWC).
The party described the actions of individuals who violently disrupted the exercise as being completely at odds with ADC's core values. Such actions run contrary to the ADC Constitution, its values, and its long-standing commitment to internal democracy and orderly political engagement, the statement read. The ADC emphasized that it is a law-abiding entity governed by clear rules and will not allow its internal affairs to be hijacked by persons pursuing narrow personal interests.
Call for Security Intervention and Justice
The ADC has called on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to act with professionalism and impartiality. The party demands a thorough investigation into the reported violent attacks on its members in Borno State to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice. The ADC stressed that political violence must not be normalized or excused under any circumstances.
The party reiterated its commitment to peaceful political organization, internal democracy, and the rule of law, vowing to take all necessary internal and legal measures to protect its members and processes.
Major Political Breakthrough in Oyo State
In a contrasting and positive development, the ADC has recorded a substantial political victory in Oyo State. The party witnessed a wave of defections sweeping across the Ibarapa axis, a move interpreted as a shift in political sentiments within the state.
At a well-attended town hall meeting in Ibarapa, scores of residents, party loyalists, and grassroots mobilizers from various political platforms formally joined the ADC. This mass defection, which spanned all three local government areas in the Ibarapa zone, has attracted significant attention from political observers and stakeholders.
Party leaders hailed the development as clear evidence of growing public confidence in the ADC's ideology, leadership, and grassroots appeal. This expansion underscores the party's increasing influence in Oyo State, fueled by perceived public dissatisfaction with the two dominant political parties.
The twin developments of confronting violence in Borno and capitalizing on growing support in Oyo highlight the ADC's current challenges and opportunities in the Nigerian political landscape.
