Date: 21 October 2025 – African Heritage Global Affairs Editor
It is with deep shock, anger, and grief that the ADC-Diaspora Network (ADC-DN), on behalf of the wider ADC family worldwide, condemns in the strongest possible terms the cowardly arson attack on the ADC Party Secretariat in Ekiti State earlier today. The burning of our party’s property is an act of political terrorism that is deliberate, targeted, and its despicable and it must be met with the full force of the law and unyielding public condemnation.
There is no neutral way to describe what happened. This is not chaos. This is not spontaneous. This is orchestrated intimidation. It is a panic move by those terrified of the rising momentum, resolve, and organisational strength that the Ekiti ADC and the entire ADC family continue to demonstrate across Nigeria. Those behind this attack must understand clearly that we will not be intimidated. The ADC will not stand by while the rights, dignity, and security of its members and citizens are violated in such a heinous and cowardly manner.
We hereby remind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the guarantee of peace and security for all citizens of Nigeria is not optional, it is his solemn constitutional duty as Chief Security Officer of the Federation. The buck stops with him. If attacks like this can occur at a political party secretariat, the very heart of democratic engagement and organisation, then the President must explain how such acts of targeted destruction can thrive under his watch; why state and federal security agencies repeatedly fail to prevent political violence; and whether there is tacit tolerance or complicity in efforts to suppress opposition voices through terror.
The ADC-DN demands that President Tinubu immediately order a comprehensive and transparent investigation into this arson attack. All those responsible whether in Ekiti or elsewhere must be arrested, prosecuted, and punished without delay. Anything short of this will be seen as an endorsement of lawlessness and a betrayal of his oath to protect all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation.
The ADC-DN will no longer remain silent in the face of escalating attacks aimed at silencing progressive political forces. From this moment, we are mobilising across international platforms diplomatic, advocacy, and media to expose and call out those responsible for this growing culture of impunity. ADC lives matter. We will ensure that this assault on democracy is brought before the global community, democratic governments, human rights organisations, and all institutions that stand for justice and the rule of law.
This is not merely about one building in Ekiti; it is about defending the collective right of Nigerians to organise, to dissent, and to pursue political change without fear of violence. The burning of the Ekiti ADC Secretariat represents an escalation in the pattern of political violence and repression in our nation a dangerous trend that deepens insecurity, shrinks civic space, and undermines democratic freedoms.
If Nigeria cannot protect the offices of political parties or ensure the safety of its citizens as they engage in legitimate political activity, then our democracy is teetering on the brink. The President must not allow his administration to be complicit by action or inaction in the erosion of democratic order.
To all ADC members, supporters, and patriots at home and abroad: remain calm, resolute, and disciplined. Resist every provocation toward violence or retaliation. Let us instead respond with unity, vigilance, and a renewed commitment to democratic resistance through lawful means both at home and abroad.
To the Nigerian media, civil society, and international partners, we urge you to give sustained attention to this attack, amplify our demand for justice, and ensure that the perpetrators do not hide behind the shadows of political protection. To the security agencies: act swiftly, transparently, and professionally. The eyes of Nigerians and the international community are watching.
Let it be known that we will rebuild, we will resist, and we will hold power accountable. The rising tide of ADC’s organisational strength and democratic vision cannot — and will not be extinguished by fire or fear.
We demand justice, and we demand it now.
Hon. Kenneth Chibuogwu Gbandi, Chairman, ADC-Diaspora Network (ADC-DN); Former Senatorial Candidate, Delta North; Former European Continental Chairman, NIDO; Former Deputy National Chairman (Diaspora Engagement), ADC for ADC DN Leadership
