ADC Condemns Violence, Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Politics in Borno

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned violent disruptions that trailed its lawful party activities in Borno State, warning that political violence and internal sabotage have no place within its fold. The party reaffirmed that the inauguration of the Borno State Transitional Committee and the Membership Registration Committees was duly authorised by its National Working Committee (NWC), describing recent attacks and disruptions as unacceptable and contrary to democratic norms.

In a statement issued on Friday by the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC called on security agencies to conduct a thorough, professional, and impartial investigation into reported attacks on its members. The party stressed that those found culpable must be held accountable, as part of efforts to protect democratic processes and ensure peaceful political participation in the state.

Lawful Inauguration and Party Authorisation

According to the ADC, the inauguration of the Borno State Transitional Committee, chaired by Kashim Imam, alongside the Membership Registration Committees, was carried out strictly in line with the party’s constitution and guidelines. The leadership maintained that all actions taken received proper clearance from the National Working Committee, dismissing claims that the process was irregular or unauthorised.

The party noted that on January 12, a faction loyal to the ADC Transitional Chairman announced the formation of the state’s Transitional Committee during a meeting at Barwee Hotels in Maiduguri. Ali Wurge was named Chairman, with Fali Wabulari as Secretary, while the Membership Registration Committee was to be led by Peter Biye, assisted by Kolo Bukar as Secretary.

ADC leaders insisted that the exercise was designed to strengthen party structures, expand membership, and promote internal democracy ahead of future political engagements, including preparations toward the 2027 general elections.

Internal Dispute and Disruptions

Tensions emerged shortly after the announcement when the Borno State ADC Chairman, Umar Bolori, publicly expressed surprise at the development. He dismissed the newly announced committees, alleging that they were made up of political jobbers seeking to infiltrate the party for personal interests.

This disagreement, according to the ADC, escalated into disruptions that undermined the party’s lawful activities in the state. The leadership expressed concern that individuals claiming party membership resorted to violence and intimidation rather than utilising established internal mechanisms for dispute resolution.

The party warned that such actions violate its constitution and core values, stressing that internal disagreements must always be handled through dialogue, due process, and respect for institutional authority.

ADC Call for Accountability and Peaceful Politics

In its statement, the ADC condemned what it described as violent and disruptive conduct aimed at frustrating legitimate party exercises. The party reiterated that it would not allow its internal affairs to be hijacked by individuals acting without mandate or pursuing narrow personal interests at the expense of unity and stability.

The party further urged the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to take reported attacks against its members in Borno State seriously. It called for comprehensive investigations to identify and prosecute those responsible, emphasising that political violence must never be normalised or excused under any circumstance.

Reaffirming its principles, the ADC pledged continued commitment to peaceful politics, internal democracy, and the rule of law, while vowing to take all necessary measures to safeguard its members, processes, and overall party integrity.