The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the violent disruption of its lawful party activities in Borno State, affirming that the inauguration of the Borno State Transitional Committee and Membership Registration Committees was duly authorised by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
The party clarified that the exercise, which produced Mallam Kashim Imam as Chairman of the Transitional Committee, was carried out in strict compliance with the ADC Constitution, established guidelines, and approvals issued by the NWC.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the actions of individuals who disrupted the exercise as unacceptable, undemocratic, and inconsistent with the core values of the party.
The party called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to act professionally and impartially in investigating the reported violent attacks on ADC members in Borno State and to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.
The full statement read: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) 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 (NWC) 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 remains firmly committed to peaceful political organisation, internal democracy, and the rule of law, and will take all necessary internal and legal measures to protect its members, its processes, and the integrity of the party.”