The African Democratic Congress has condemned the attack on its members in Kaduna State, warning that political thuggery could undermine the 2027 electoral process.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Thursday, the ADC said the incident was an unacceptable escalation as political activities ahead of the elections were just beginning.

Tension erupted in Kaduna on Wednesday as suspected thugs attacked supporters of the ADC during a solidarity walk in support of the party’s governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru, in the state capital.

Reacting, the party called on security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those behind the attack, while urging the Kaduna State Government to ensure the safety of opposition parties.

The ADC stated, “The African Democratic Congress has condemned the attack on its members in Kaduna State, warning that no individual, group or political party has a monopoly on non-state sanctioned violence, and that those introducing thuggery into the 2027 political process are playing a dangerous game.

“Let nobody mistake our commitment to peaceful democratic participation for weakness. No political party has a monopoly on non-state sanctioned violence. Once violence becomes an accepted instrument of political competition, nobody can predict where it ends.

“This is why the security agencies must act now. Those responsible for the attack, as well as anyone who sponsored or organised it, must be identified, arrested and prosecuted.”

The ADC also expressed solidarity with its governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru, and other members affected by the incident, urging the Kaduna State Government to ensure adequate protection for opposition parties.

It continued, “Kaduna belongs to its people, not to any party. If anyone believes intimidation will frighten the ADC off the political field, they have badly miscalculated.

“We will not be intimidated. We will organise, we will campaign, and we will compete in every part of Kaduna State. The 2027 elections must be decided by ideas competing at the ballot box, not by thugs and bruises.”