October 21, 2025

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the arson attack on its Ekiti State secretariat, describing it as a calculated act of political terrorism aimed at disrupting the party’s internal reorganisation and intimidating opposition voices.

The party’s secretariat, located in the Basiri area of Ado-Ekiti, was set ablaze in the early hours of Tuesday, destroying essential materials, including furniture, documents, sound systems, and canopies arranged for a scheduled inauguration of newly appointed ward, local government, and state executives.

According to eyewitnesses and party officials, unknown assailants stormed the premises overnight and set fire to the building, leaving widespread damage in their wake.

Hours later, suspected thugs allegedly returned to the venue during the early stages of the planned event, firing shots into the air and dispersing supporters, party members, and journalists.

Despite the attack, the ADC’s National Secretary, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, proceeded with a brief inauguration of the new executives under heavy security.

He vowed that the party would not be cowed by what he described as an “orchestrated attempt to silence opposition.”

“We are not deterred. Our resolve remains unshaken, and our movement continues — with or without a physical structure,” Aregbesola stated during the disrupted event.

A Pattern of Attacks

The ADC, in an official statement, suggested the incident in Ekiti is part of a wider pattern of politically motivated attacks against its offices across the country.

The party cited similar episodes of violence and destruction in Kaduna, Lagos (Alimosho), Kogi (Dekina), and Kebbi (Birnin Kebbi), describing them as deliberate efforts to destabilise the party’s grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“This is not an isolated event. It is part of a targeted, coordinated campaign to undermine our growth and threaten our members. We consider this an act of political terrorism,” the statement read.

The attack has drawn criticism from various stakeholders, including former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Professor Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, who described the incident as “deeply troubling” and called for urgent action from security agencies to ensure political safety and accountability.

Police Response

Spokesperson of the Ekiti State Police Command, DSP Sunday Abutu, confirmed the incident and said a full investigation has been ordered by the Commissioner of Police.

“We have launched a discreet investigation into the arson and the reported shooting incident. Anyone found culpable will be brought to justice,” he said.

Freedom Of Association

The attack comes amid growing concerns over political intolerance and rising threats to freedom of association in Nigeria’s evolving democratic space. Civil society organisations have repeatedly warned about the escalation of political violence, particularly in pre-election periods.

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Observers say the apparent targeting of opposition infrastructure may have far-reaching implications for party mobilisation, civic engagement, and electoral fairness in Ekiti State and beyond.

What’s Ahead

Despite the violence, the ADC says it remains committed to strengthening its structures nationwide and providing Nigerians with a viable alternative in future elections.

The party called on security agencies to act swiftly, and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant authorities to ensure a safe political environment for all stakeholders.

As of the time of filing this report, no arrests had been made, and the cause of the fire remains officially undetermined.