RismadarVoice Reporters
March 16, 2026
Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi has condemned the disruption of the planned opening of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State, describing the incident as “an attack on democracy.”
In a statement posted on his X handle on Sunday, Obi said the invasion of the party office by suspected political thugs reflected a worrying decline in democratic standards in Nigeria.
“What occurred at the ADC office in Bakassi is not merely an attack on a political party; it is an attack on democracy itself,” he said, adding that the failure to arrest those responsible for such acts could further undermine confidence in the nation’s democratic system.
Obi also warned that continued tolerance of political misconduct and declining leadership standards could push the country towards violence and instability.
The former Anambra State governor spoke following reports that suspected thugs disrupted the planned inauguration of the ADC secretariat on Saturday, dispersing supporters and destroying canopies, chairs, loudspeakers and other items prepared for the event.
A video circulating on social media showed a group of youths dismantling the venue’s setup while shouting that the party would not be allowed to operate in the council area.
Confirming the development, the Cross River State Police Command described the perpetrators as hoodlums and said security operatives were deployed to restore order in the area.
The incident comes months after Obi and some ADC chieftains were reportedly attacked by suspected thugs in Benin City, Edo State, shortly after attending a political event. The Department of State Services (DSS) later announced the arrest of a suspect linked to that attack.
Observers say the latest disruption highlights concerns over political intolerance and security challenges ahead of future electoral activities in the country.
