The African Democratic Congress has condemned violent disruptions of its lawful party activities in Borno State, reiterating that the inauguration of the state’s Transitional Committee and Membership Registration Committees, with Kashim Imam as chairman, was fully authorised by the party’s National Working Committee.
In a statement on Friday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the disruptive actions by certain individuals run contrary to the party’s values.
He urged the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to conduct a professional and impartial investigation into reported attacks on ADC members and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Recall that on January 12, a faction loyal to ADC Transitional Chairman Imam announced during a meeting at Barwee Hotels in Maiduguri the formation of the Borno State Transitional Committee, naming Ali Wurge as Chairman and Fali Wabulari as Secretary.
The group also disclosed that the ADC Membership Registration Committee would be led by Peter Biye, with Kolo Bukar as Secretary.
However, within hours, the state ADC Chairman, Umar Bolori, expressed surprise at the development and dismissed Imam’s committees as political jobbers allegedly seeking to infiltrate the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This disagreement led to disruptions that undermined the lawful activities of the party.
In response, the ADC called on law enforcement agencies to investigate reported attacks on its Borno State members and hold the perpetrators accountable.
The statement read in part:
“The African Democratic Congress wishes to place on record that the inauguration of the Borno State Transitional Committee and the Membership Registration Committees had been carried out in full compliance with the guidelines and authorisations issued by the National Working Committee of the party.
“The ADC, therefore, condemns in the strongest terms the conduct of certain individuals who, while claiming to be members of the party, engaged in violent and disruptive actions aimed at frustrating lawful party exercise. Such actions run contrary to the ADC Constitution, its values, and its long-standing commitment to internal democracy and orderly political engagement.
“The ADC is a law-abiding political party governed by clear rules and institutional processes. The party will, therefore, not permit its internal affairs to be hijacked by persons acting without mandate or by those pursuing narrow personal interests to the detriment of party unity and stability.
“The party also urges law enforcement authorities to take serious note of the reported violent attacks against ADC members in Borno State and to pursue thorough investigations with a view to identifying and prosecuting all those responsible. Political violence must not be normalised or excused under any circumstance.”
The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful politics, internal democracy, and the rule of law, pledging to take all necessary measures to safeguard its members, processes, and party integrity.
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