Kebbi ADC alleges police plot to arrest opposition members

The African Democratic Congress in Kebbi State has raised the alarm over an alleged plot to arrest some of its members, including the party’s spokesperson, accusing unnamed influential individuals of planning to use security agencies to intimidate opposition figures.

The party also alleged that the residence of one of its members, Mudasir Sani, was recently raided over his activities on social media, where he reportedly promotes the party’s policies and political messages.

The ADC made the allegations in a statement issued on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi and signed by its Deputy Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Musa.

It called on the Kebbi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force and human rights organisations to investigate the alleged incidents and ensure that opposition members were not subjected to intimidation or harassment because of their political affiliations.

The party said reports reaching it indicated that some influential individuals had allegedly discussed plans to use security agencies against members expressing political opinions and promoting the ADC on social media platforms.

“Of particular concern to the party is the allegation that even the ADC spokesperson is among those reportedly being targeted for arrest,” the statement said.

It added that any confirmed attempt to arrest opposition members for expressing political views would raise serious concerns about the protection of fundamental rights and democratic freedoms.

On the alleged raid on Sani’s residence, the party said it wanted the authorities to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The party calls on the relevant authorities to clarify the reasons behind the raid and ensure that his fundamental rights as a citizen are fully respected,” it said.

The ADC said the alleged developments were not isolated, recalling that its Maiyama Local Government Chairman was recently arrested and reportedly spent almost two weeks in prison before his eventual release.

It further disclosed that approximately eight members of its media team were currently facing court proceedings.
The party also accused the police of failing to provide adequate information about a complaint it submitted against a senior government official more than one month ago.

“In another separate incident, the party lodged a formal complaint at the Kebbi State Police Command Headquarters against a senior government official more than one month ago.

“However, according to the party, it has yet to receive any comprehensive information regarding the action taken or the current status of the investigation into the complaint,” the statement said.

The opposition party urged the police to provide an update on the complaint and ensure that investigations were conducted without political interference.

It said, “These developments have compelled the ADC to call on the relevant authorities to ensure that investigations are conducted and the law is enforced fairly and impartially, without political discrimination or favouritism based on an individual’s status or political affiliation.”

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The party specifically called on the National Human Rights Commission to investigate reports of alleged human rights violations, intimidation and harassment involving its members.

It also urged judicial authorities to uphold due process and ensure that every citizen enjoyed equal protection under the law, irrespective of political affiliation.

Reaffirming its commitment to democratic participation, the ADC maintained that belonging to an opposition political party was not a criminal offence.

“We wish to reiterate that belonging to an opposition political party is not a crime.

“Expressing political opinions, criticising government policies, and disseminating political messages are fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, provided they are exercised within the confines of the law,” it said.

The party warned against using political power or state institutions to silence citizens and restrict their participation in legitimate political activities.

“The ADC will not accept any attempt to use political power or state institutions to silence citizens, suppress their opinions, or deny them the freedom to participate in legitimate political activities,” the statement added.

However, the party urged its members to remain peaceful and law-abiding, advising them to report any cases of intimidation or harassment to the appropriate authorities rather than resorting to self-help.

It said, “Government has a responsibility to protect all citizens, not just those who support it. The law does not distinguish between those in government and those in opposition.

“Every complaint deserves proper investigation, and every individual accused of an offence is entitled to justice and a fair hearing.”

The ADC warned that intimidation and threats against opposition members could undermine democratic development, stressing that democracy depended on the protection of individual freedoms, respect for human rights and the consistent application of the rule of law.

Efforts to get a reaction from the state government were not successful, as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the state police spokesman, SP Bashir Usman, told our correspondent in a telephone conversation on Tuesday that the command remained apolitical and would not serve the interests of any political party.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to providing adequate security for all political parties during their activities in the state.

“We are not for any political party, and we have assured all political parties in the state of maximum security cover during their programmes. All they need to do is inform us ahead,” he said.