The African Democratic Congress has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of sponsoring attacks on its members and other opposition figures, warning that it will defend itself on the streets rather than seek redress in court if the violence continues.
Deputy director-general of the ADC presidential campaign council, Dino Melaye, made the remarks on ARISE TV on Monday.
“We are announcing to Tinubu and the APC that this time around, we will defend ourselves. We will not go to court; we will settle the matter on the streets,” Melaye said.
He alleged that ADC members and other opposition figures had been targeted, claiming some had been killed and that governorship candidates in Sokoto, Kaduna and Katsina were recently attacked.
“In Kogi State, they (APC) injured people and destroyed properties. Few days ago, Sowore was attacked. There have been serious intimidation and harassment of opposition members out of desperation by the APC,” Melaye said.
The ADC chief added: “This time around, all die na die. We will defend ourselves. The ADC will not sit and allow APC to continue its violence. In the Osun election, over 50 people died… It’s a constitutional, inalienable right to defend yourself. We won’t keep quiet. We’ll defend ourselves. And I want to announce to you that ADC is a non-violent party.”
Melaye also claimed the party had intelligence that the APC planned to prevent its plane from flying to Sokoto for a presidential campaign rally scheduled for Wednesday.
“As I am speaking to you, we have intel that APC is going to stop our plane from flying to Sokoto… This country belongs to all of us,” he said.
The allegations came hours after the Sokoto State government sealed the ADC office ahead of the rally. State Lands and Housing Commissioner Nasiru Dantsoho said the action was taken to protect lives and property following an altercation between ADC supporters and miscreants.
The APC has been contacted for comment on the allegations.
