Peter Obi Condemns Attack on ADC Office, Says Fraud and Violence Cannot Produce True Leadership

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the recent attack on the office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Bakassi, describing the incident as a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic system.

In a statement shared online, Obi said the destruction of property at the ADC office by suspected thugs highlights the worrying decline in democratic values and political tolerance across the country. According to him, such acts of violence against political organisations threaten the foundation of democracy and undermine the rule of law.

The former governor of Anambra State noted that the incident in Bakassi should not be viewed merely as an isolated attack on a party office but as a troubling signal about the state of political culture in Nigeria. He said that when individuals can invade a political party’s office, destroy property, and leave without facing arrest or prosecution, it reflects a dangerous weakening of democratic institutions.

Obi expressed concern that political violence is gradually becoming normalised in Nigeria’s democratic process. He warned that if such incidents continue without accountability, it could encourage further acts of intimidation and lawlessness within the political space.

According to him, the current situation raises serious questions about the quality of leadership and the standards required for public office in the country. He argued that Nigeria appears to be experiencing a period where the importance of qualification, certification, and credibility in leadership is being increasingly ignored.

The former presidential candidate pointed to the controversy surrounding allegations of forged academic credentials by some political figures, noting that the ability of individuals facing such accusations to contest elections sends the wrong message to society. Obi stressed that leadership should be built on integrity and competence rather than manipulation or deception.

He warned that if Nigeria continues down this path, the political environment may gradually shift toward violence as a primary tool for gaining or maintaining power. In such a scenario, democratic institutions would weaken further, while citizens’ confidence in governance would erode.

Obi emphasized that genuine leadership cannot emerge from fraud or intimidation. According to him, leaders who rely on violence or deception to gain power ultimately create instability and chaos in society. He added that such outcomes would inevitably affect not only the present generation but also future generations of Nigerians.

“Fraud and violence can never create true leadership; they will only result in chaos,” he said, stressing that the consequences of weak democratic values will eventually be felt by everyone.

The former governor therefore called on political actors, security agencies, and citizens to reject violence and protect democratic principles. He urged authorities to ensure that those responsible for the attack on the ADC office in Bakassi are identified and brought to justice.

Obi also encouraged Nigerians to remain committed to peaceful political participation and to demand accountability from leaders at all levels of government. He maintained that the country’s democratic system can only function effectively when political competition is based on ideas, competence, and respect for the rule of law.

Reiterating his long-standing message of political reform, Obi concluded by expressing optimism about the country’s future despite the current challenges. According to him, Nigeria still has the opportunity to build a more transparent and accountable political system if citizens remain determined to defend democratic values.

He ended his statement with the slogan that has become closely associated with his political movement: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”