Amnesty International has condemned the violent assaults on the campaign convoys of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State, highlighting a disturbing trend of political repression in Nigeria. The organization reported that armed gangs executed coordinated attacks that included blocking roads, attacking opposition members with machetes, and vandalizing campaign vehicles.
Footage analyzed by Amnesty documents suspects attacking the ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar’s convoy in Argungu Local Government Area. The assailants targeted opposition figures, violently beating them and destroying their means of transport while also pelting the convoys with stones and bottles. Media personnel accompanying the campaign were reportedly not spared, with their equipment intentionally damaged to hinder the reporting of the violence.
This incident in Kebbi follows a similar attack on ADC campaigners in nearby Sokoto State, pointing to a systematic effort to intimidate and suppress political diversity in Nigeria. Amnesty International stated that such attacks create an environment that challenges citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and association.
The organization criticized the Nigerian security forces and federal authorities for their inadequate response and lack of accountability for repeated attacks on opposition gatherings throughout the country. Amnesty warned that failure to address impunity for politically motivated violence jeopardizes Nigeria’s democracy and fosters a climate of fear ahead of upcoming elections.
Amnesty International is calling for an immediate investigation into the Kebbi incident, urging authorities to hold accountable those responsible and to ensure the safety of all political actors, regardless of their party affiliation.
