The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State has reported alleged plans by influential figures to arrest members of the opposition party, including its spokesperson. This claim was made by the party’s Deputy Publicity Secretary, Engr. Abubakar Musa, who expressed concerns over the use of security agencies to target those who express political views or promote party policies.
Musa highlighted that if the reports are true, it poses a significant threat, particularly since the role of a spokesperson is crucial for communicating party messages to the public. The ADC also noted that this incident is not isolated, referencing the recent arrest of the party’s Local Government Chairman in Maiyama, who reportedly spent nearly two weeks in custody before being released.
In addition, the party has raised alarms about ongoing legal troubles for several members of its Media Team, who are currently involved in court proceedings. Over a month ago, the ADC also filed a formal complaint with the Kebbi State Police regarding a senior government official but has received no updates on the matter, raising concerns about accountability and transparency.
The ADC has called upon the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to monitor these developments and investigate allegations of human rights violations, intimidation, and harassment against party members. The party is urging the Nigeria Police Force to provide clarity on the status of their complaint and ensure that police forces do not act as instruments of political intimidation.
Additionally, the ADC is requesting that judicial authorities uphold the rights of all citizens and maintain impartiality in legal matters. The party has emphasized that criticism of government policies and the dissemination of political messages are protected under the Nigerian Constitution, asserting that opposing party affiliation is not a crime.
Finally, the ADC has reported a raid on the residence of a social media blogger, Mudasir Sani, and has called for clarification on the incident, advocating for the protection of citizens’ rights.
