The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the violence that disrupted its party activities in Borno State as unacceptable, insisting that the inauguration of its committees in the state was lawful and properly authorised.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Friday, the party said the inauguration of the Borno State Transitional Committee and the Membership Registration Committees was carried out with the approval of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
The ADC stressed that the exercise, which has Mallam Kashim Imam as chairman, followed established party guidelines and should not have been obstructed.
“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 statement said.
The party condemned the actions of individuals who allegedly disrupted the exercise, noting that such behaviour does not reflect ADC’s principles.
“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,” Abdullahi stated.
According to the party, ADC is guided by clear rules and institutional processes and will not allow its internal affairs to be taken over by people acting without proper authority.
“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 called on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to investigate the reported attacks on its members in Borno State and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“Political violence must not be normalised or excused under any circumstance,” the statement added.
The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political activities, internal democracy, and the rule of law. The party further revealed that it would take all necessary internal and legal steps to protect its members and party processes.