Former presidential candidate Peter Obi on Sunday, condemned the disruption of the African Democratic Congress secretariat’s opening in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State, calling it “an attack on democracy itself.”
Obi stated in a statement released through X that the attack by alleged thugs indicated a disturbing erosion in the country’s democratic ideals.
“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,” he said.
“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.
Obi also issued a warning that the erosion of leadership standards and tolerance of political misconduct could push the country towards violence.
“In the current state of Nigeria, what can we expect when leadership standards have plummeted to the extent that qualification, certification, and credibility are no longer deemed necessary for public office?” he said.
“The ability for individuals to present forged certificates for election sends a troubling message to our society. If we continue down this path, violence may become the future of our democracy.
“We must recognize that fraud and violence cannot create true leadership; they will only result in chaos. This chaos will ultimately affect our children and us.”
Anambra State’s former governor spoke after suspected political thugs disrupted the planned launch of an ADC secretariat in Bakassi on Saturday.
According to reports, the attackers attacked the ceremony area, dispersing party supporters and trashing canopies, loudspeakers, seats, and other event-related equipment.
A video circulating on social media showed a group of young people physically demolishing the equipment while shouting that the ADC would not be permitted to function in the local area.
In the video, a man believed to be leading the group is seen ordering others to scatter the things, stating that the party was nowhere to be found while the council area was being created.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the event, describing the culprits as hoodlums and stating that officers had been deployed to restore order.
The Bakassi incident occurred months after Obi and other ADC leaders were allegedly attacked by suspected thugs in Benin City.
The attack came just after Obi; former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress John Odigie-Oyegun; and other party officials returned from the ADC secretariat, where the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, was formally welcomed into the party.
Following the event, the Department of State Services reported the arrest of Udeme Sunday Stephen, a suspect thought to be involved in the attack on Obi and other ADC leaders in Edo State’s capital.
