“Only APC Allowed Here!” – Chaos in Cross River as Hoodlums Attack ADC Secretariat Launch, Smash Equipment in Viral Political Violence

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Political tensions in Cross River State have erupted into controversy after hoodlums violently disrupted the planned inauguration of a secretariat belonging to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Bakassi Local Government Area, sparking nationwide outrage and raising fears about political intolerance ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has quickly gone viral across social media platforms after disturbing videos surfaced showing a group of youths storming the venue and destroying event equipment.

In the widely shared footage, the attackers can be seen forcefully dismantling canopies, throwing chairs, smashing tables, and damaging loudspeakers while chanting political slogans declaring support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Several of the youths repeatedly shouted:
“We don’t want any other party here apart from APC!”
“We want only APC!”

The sudden invasion threw the gathering into panic as supporters of the ADC scattered for safety, forcing organizers to cancel the inauguration before the ceremony could officially begin.

Eyewitnesses described the incident as a calculated attempt to intimidate opposition supporters and prevent the party from establishing a visible presence in the area, widely considered a political stronghold of the ruling party.

Confirming the disruption, Cross River State Police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah said officers were deployed to the scene after the attack was reported.

“Hoodlums from nowhere came and scattered the canopies, chairs and sound systems,” he said.

According to police authorities, security operatives eventually restored calm in the area. However, as of Sunday evening, no arrests had been announced while investigations remain ongoing.

The attack comes amid growing concerns about political tension across parts of the country as Nigeria gradually moves toward the 2027 Nigerian general election.

The development also drew strong criticism from former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who contested the 2023 election under the Labour Party.

In a strongly worded statement, Obi condemned the incident and warned that acts of political intimidation threaten the foundation of democratic participation.

“This is not politics; this is an assault on democracy itself,” he said. “When people are prevented from freely associating and expressing their political will through violence and intimidation, we are sliding backwards.”

Opposition supporters have since accused individuals linked to the ruling party of attempting to suppress competition ahead of future elections. However, officials in Bakassi Local Government have denied any involvement or prior knowledge of the attack.

Across social media, Nigerians reacted strongly to the viral videos, with thousands condemning the destruction and questioning the safety of political activities in the country.

Many commenters warned that incidents like this could signal rising political tension as the 2027 election cycle approaches.

Analysts say the attack highlights a broader debate about political tolerance, freedom of association, and the responsibility of security agencies to protect all political parties regardless of affiliation.

As police investigations continue, attention is now focused on whether those responsible for the attack will be identified and prosecuted.

For many observers, the incident has already become a troubling symbol of the challenges facing Nigeria’s multiparty democracy as the nation begins the long road toward its next presidential election.