Peter Obi Condemns Cross River ADC Office Attack, Warns Against Political Violence and Forged-Certificate Leadership!

Reported by Mustapha Omolabake Omowumi (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa

Former presidential candidate and prominent opposition figure Peter Obi has strongly condemned the violent disruption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat opening in Bakassi Local Government Area, Cross River State, describing the attack as “an assault on democracy itself” and warning that a growing tolerance for political misconduct including the use of forged certificates threatens to further destabilise Nigeria’s political landscape.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) late Sunday, Obi highlighted that the incident, which involved suspected political thugs vandalising property and dispersing supporters, reflects an alarming erosion of democratic norms and a troubling decline in leadership integrity nationwide. “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 stressed.

According to eyewitness reports and social media footage, the disruption occurred on Saturday when youths allegedly acting on behalf of unidentified political interests stormed the venue, dismantling chairs, canopies, loudspeakers, and other equipment prepared for the inauguration. The Cross River State Police Command described the attackers as hoodlums and confirmed deployment of officers to restore order.

A Growing Pattern of Political Intimidation
Obi’s condemnation echoes rising concerns among civil society organisations and political analysts that violent tactics are increasingly used to intimidate opposition parties and suppress dissent. While attacks on party offices are not new in Nigeria’s political history, the brazen nature of the Cross River incident occurring in broad daylight and captured on video has amplified fears that political violence could become a recurring feature in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

The former governor of Anambra State linked the assault on the ADC’s facility to a broader erosion of democratic standards. Obi warned that allowing political aspirants and officeholders to present forged academic qualifications without accountability undermines public confidence in leadership. “If we continue down this path, violence may become the future of our democracy,” he said.

Political observers note that issues relating to forged or dubious credentials have periodically surfaced in Nigerian politics, fueling debates about eligibility, transparency, and the capacity of electoral institutions to vet candidates effectively. Critics argue that weak enforcement of qualification standards erodes public trust and fosters a culture of impunity.

Erosion of Democratic Norms and Public Trust
Obi’s remarks come amid escalating political tensions as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. Opposition parties, civic organisations, and international observers have flagged increasing instances of intimidation, disruptions, and violent confrontations linked to political rivalry. Such incidents, they argue, collectively weaken the democratic process and undermine citizens’ confidence in free and fair participation.

“The ability for individuals to present forged certificates for election sends a troubling message to our society,” Obi noted, urging Nigerians to demand accountability from their leaders. His warning underscores a key concern: without integrity in both qualifications and conduct, the foundations of democratic governance are at risk.

Civil liberties advocates have called for heightened protections for political expression and association, emphasising that all parties, regardless of affiliation, must be able to operate and campaign without fear of violence. Legal experts also recommend stricter measures to deter the use of fraudulent credentials in public office contests.

Police Response and Next Steps
Cross River authorities confirmed the deployment of police personnel to the scene following the attack, but analysts stress that preventive measures and swift prosecution of perpetrators are essential to deter future incidents. The ADC itself condemned the assault as an attempt to stifle opposition, highlighting broader concerns about the health of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

As political stakeholders and civil society monitor developments, Obi’s condemnation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic evolution, where violence, political manipulation, and questions of legitimacy intersect on an increasingly tense political stage.

Sources
Punch Nigeria: Obi slams attack on ADC secretariat in Cross River

Chronicle Nigeria: Obi condemns attack on ADC secretariat in Cross River

Osun Defender: Obi condemns attack on ADC secretariat as attack on democracy

Tori.ng: Forged certificates by politicians could spark violence, Peter Obi warns

Headtopics: Peter Obi condemns attack on ADC secretariat, warns of democratic decline

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

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