Suspected political thugs on Saturday disrupted the commissioning of a secretariat belonging to the African Democratic Congress in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State, causing chaos at the venue and raising fresh concerns about political intolerance in the state.
The disruption occurred during a ceremony organised by members of the party to inaugurate the new secretariat. Eyewitness accounts and a video circulating on social media showed a group of hoodlums storming the venue, scattering chairs and tables, destroying sound equipment and pulling down canopies prepared for the event.
Some of the attackers were heard in the footage claiming allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress and declaring that the ADC would not be allowed to conduct political activities in the area.
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One of the suspected leaders of the group was also seen issuing instructions for the gathering to be completely disrupted. The individuals reportedly ordered the destruction of equipment and attempted to intimidate party supporters present at the event.
The incident quickly triggered widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians condemning the disruption as an attack on democratic rights and political freedom.
Several commentators described the action as unconstitutional, arguing that every political party should be allowed to organise and operate freely without intimidation or violence.
Reacting to the incident, the 2023 ADC governorship candidate in Cross River State, Effiong Nyong, strongly condemned the disruption. He described the attack as a sign of fear and political intolerance.
Nyong also alleged that poverty was being used as a tool to manipulate young people into attacking political opponents. He said some political actors were misleading youths to engage in acts of violence against opposition figures.
Despite the incident, he maintained that the ADC would continue its mobilisation efforts across the state and would intensify civic education among residents.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident and described the perpetrators as hoodlums.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday, said police officers were immediately deployed to the area to restore calm after the group disrupted the event by scattering chairs, canopies and sound systems at the venue.
He added that although no arrests had been made at the time of filing the report, police personnel and tactical teams had been stationed in the area to prevent further escalation.
Attempts to reach the Cross River State chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chris Etta, for comments on the incident were unsuccessful.
The disruption has further fuelled debate about political tolerance and the need to protect democratic space as parties across the country prepare for future electoral contests.
