ADC Accuses APC of Acting Like Terrorist Organization After Church Attack in Lagos

On Monday, September 8, 2025, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of behaving like a “terrorist organization” following a violent attack on its members during a gathering at a church in Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos State, on September 6, 2025, as reported by Vanguard and Tribune Online (Web:0, Web:1, Web:2). The event, where Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour formally joined the ADC, was disrupted by suspected APC-sponsored thugs who spilled blood, destroyed vehicles, and seized property, according to a statement by ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi (Web:1, Web:4). The ADC condemned the incident as a “profound act of desecration” and a new low in the APC’s alleged campaign of violence against opposition parties (Web:0, Web:7).

The ADC highlighted a broader pattern of intimidation, citing threats in Edo, harassment in Kogi, the shutdown of a radio station in Niger, attacks on meetings in Kaduna, and assaults on party convoys in Kebbi (Web:2, Web:6). Abdullahi referenced a recent Canadian court ruling labeling the APC a terrorist organization, arguing that the ruling party must halt attacks to salvage its reputation, stating, “Attacking places of worship is what terrorists do” (Web:4, Web:10). The party called on the Nigeria Police Force to remain impartial, resist being used as the APC’s “armed wing,” and prosecute those responsible for the violence in Lagos and other states (Web:7, Web:12). The Lagos State Police Command denied political bias, claiming its presence was for public safety, while APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo dismissed the allegations as “baseless propaganda” (Web:5, Web:8).

The ADC described the APC’s actions as a “confession of failure,” accusing it of resorting to intimidation rather than showcasing achievements ahead of elections (Web:3, Web:11). The party vowed to remain undeterred, committing to peaceful engagement while refusing to tolerate further attacks (Web:4, Web:18). X posts from @BolajiADC (September 7, 2025) condemned the violence, while @Naija_Activist noted 73% public concern over political thuggery, per a 2025 Afrobarometer survey (Post:3). With 65% of Nigerians distrusting political parties (Gallup, 2025), the incident risks further eroding public confidence in democratic processes (Web:6, Web:13).