‘Dangerous assault on democracy’ — ADC blames FG for crisis at PDP headquarters

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the federal government of undermining Nigeria’s democracy following the chaos at the headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Tuesday.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) fired teargas to disperse supporters of the party’s rival factions.

Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC national publicity secretary, alleged in a statement that the attack was carried out by agents linked to senior officials of the ruling party.

Abdullahi said the incident amounted to an attempt by the Bola Tinubu administration to impose a one-party system on the country.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) strongly condemns the brazen invasion and violent takeover of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday, November 14, 2025, by agents of the APC federal government,” the statement reads.

He described the development as “a dangerous assault on Nigeria’s democracy”, insisting it must be condemned “regardless of party affiliation”.

The ADC spokesperson said the attack marked “a new and dangerous low” for the administration.

“With this action, the government is sending a chilling message that it would do anything and employ any means, including acts of terror, to advance partisan political interests,” he said.

He questioned whether labour unions, press organisations, student bodies, or protest groups could be targeted next, adding that the issue should not be seen as an internal PDP matter.

While warning that the incident has implications for the 2027 elections, Abdullahi accused the federal government of seeking to destabilise opposition groups and undermine multiparty democracy.

The ADC called on Nigerians and international partners to intervene to prevent a slide into authoritarianism.

It also demanded an independent investigation into the role of the police and other security agencies in the incident and also urged the president to “rein in his political operatives before they send the country into chaos”.