Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly condemned the disruption of the opening ceremony of the secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State, describing the incident as a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic values.
Obi made his position known on Sunday in a statement posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where he expressed concern over what he described as a disturbing pattern of political intolerance and lawlessness in the country.
According to the former governor of Anambra State, the alleged attack by suspected political thugs during the secretariat opening raises serious questions about the safety of political actors and the health of democratic practice in Nigeria.
“What occurred at the ADC office in Bakassi, Cross River State, is not merely an attack on a political party; it is an attack on democracy itself,” Obi stated.
He lamented that the destruction of property and disruption of legitimate political activities by suspected thugs signals a troubling decline in democratic standards and respect for political pluralism in the country.
“When thugs can storm a party office and destroy property without facing arrest, it reflects how dangerously low our democratic standards have fallen,” he added.
Concern over political intolerance
Obi stressed that democracy thrives when political parties and citizens can freely organise, assemble and express their views without fear of intimidation or violence.
According to him, attacks on political offices or events, regardless of the party involved, undermine the fundamental principles that sustain democratic governance.
He warned that if such incidents are allowed to continue without accountability, they could discourage political participation and weaken public trust in democratic institutions.
The former presidential contender therefore urged law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
Call for stronger democratic culture
Obi further called on political leaders, supporters and citizens across the country to reject violence and embrace tolerance, dialogue and peaceful engagement as the foundation of political competition.
He emphasised that the ability of opposition parties and alternative political platforms to operate freely is essential for a healthy democracy.
According to him, Nigeria’s democratic progress over the past two decades should not be undermined by acts of violence or intimidation.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate also urged authorities to strengthen security around political activities to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
Bakassi incident sparks concern
Although details of the incident remain limited, reports indicate that suspected thugs stormed the venue of the ADC secretariat opening in Bakassi Local Government Area, causing damage to property and disrupting the event.
The development has sparked reactions from political observers and civil society groups who say such incidents could worsen tensions in the political space if not addressed promptly.
Bakassi, located along Nigeria’s southern coastline, has been a politically sensitive area in the past due to historical territorial disputes and local political dynamics.
Call for protection of democratic rights
Obi concluded his statement by urging security agencies and relevant authorities to take decisive steps to protect the rights of all political parties and ensure that democratic activities can proceed without fear or intimidation.
He reiterated that the survival of democracy in Nigeria depends on the collective commitment of leaders, institutions and citizens to uphold the rule of law and respect political differences.
For Obi, the incident in Bakassi serves as a reminder that safeguarding democracy requires vigilance, accountability and the firm rejection of political violence in all its forms.
