ADC Launches Global Network to Tackle Undemocratic Attacks on Opposition

ADC Launches Global Network to Tackle Undemocratic Attacks on Opposition

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the establishment of a Special Representatives Network in key global capitals as part of efforts to confront what it described as rising undemocratic attacks on opposition figures in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the initiative is aimed at strengthening the party’s international engagement while promoting democratic accountability and transparency in the country’s political space.

Abdullahi noted that the decision followed “a growing pattern of undemocratic practices and attacks on opposition members and leaders” observed since July 2025, including alleged attempts to destabilise opposition parties, undermine legitimate leadership structures, and restrict political participation.

According to him, the Special Representatives Network will serve as a structured platform for engagement between the ADC and key international stakeholders such as foreign governments, parliamentary committees, international media organisations, democracy-support institutions, and Nigerian diaspora communities.

“The representatives will act as official envoys of the party in strategically selected global capitals, providing regular briefings on Nigeria’s political environment, including developments relating to electoral integrity, democratic governance, and human rights concerns,” Abdullahi said.

He added that the envoys would also communicate the party’s policy positions and reform proposals to international audiences, ensuring that global partners have access to “balanced and credible information” beyond official government narratives.

The ADC stressed that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to reinforce its credibility as a responsible democratic actor and position itself as a viable governing alternative committed to constitutional order and the rule of law.

Cities identified for the deployment of the Special Representatives include Washington, DC, London, Brussels, Berlin, Ottawa, Paris, Pretoria, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Accra, Geneva, and New York, selected for their global influence and significant Nigerian diaspora presence.

As part of the programme, the party also disclosed plans to establish a National Documentation Initiative to systematically track incidents affecting political participation across Nigeria.

The system will rely on state party structures to gather and document reports of threats, harassment, violent attacks, arbitrary arrests, and disruptions of political activities.

The party maintained that the twin initiatives would enhance the flow of credible information on Nigeria’s political developments, deepen international engagement, and strengthen advocacy for democratic governance and the protection of opposition rights.