Suspected political thugs reportedly linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) disrupted the planned opening of a secretariat by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Bakassi Local Government Area, Cross River State.
According to reports, the attackers stormed the venue on Saturday, March 14, 2025, scattering party supporters and destroying canopies, chairs, loudspeakers, and other equipment prepared for the event. A video circulating online shows several individuals damaging the venue, prompting concerns over political intimidation.
An unidentified leader of the group was heard saying, “We don’t need any party here apart from APC in Bakassi… scatter everywhere… everywhere must shut down, we don’t want ADC in this Bakassi.”
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident, describing the attackers as hoodlums. ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the police spokesperson, stated that officers were deployed to restore order. “The hoodlums came from nowhere and scattered the canopies, chairs, and sound systems. The situation has been brought under control to prevent escalation. No arrests have been made at this time,” he said.
Similar disruptions had occurred earlier, including a party activity in Calabar and a reception in Ogoja Local Government Area for defecting members. The ADC has raised concerns over what it describes as attempts to undermine its activities and hijack the party structure in the state.
Observers note that such incidents highlight rising political intolerance in some areas and call for stronger measures to ensure peaceful political engagements ahead of the next general elections.
