The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that the planned opening ceremony of a new secretariat belonging to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the Bakassi Local Government Area was disrupted following a disturbance at the venue.

 

 

The event, which was scheduled to inaugurate the party’s new office in the Bakassi area of Cross River State, had attracted supporters and coalition members ahead of the official launch.

 

 

According to reports, unidentified individuals stormed the venue shortly before the ceremony began, pulling down canopies, scattering chairs and damaging parts of the sound system prepared for the event. The sudden disruption caused panic among attendees and forced organisers to suspend the ceremony as people rushed to safety.

 

 

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Sunday Eitokpah, said security operatives were quickly deployed to the scene. He stated that police officers and tactical response teams arrived promptly to restore order and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

 

 

Eitokpah explained that the presence of security personnel helped bring the situation under control, while authorities began investigating those responsible for the disturbance. He added that updates would be provided as investigations progress.

 

 

The incident occurred ahead of the party’s national convention scheduled for April 14, 2026. The ADC also announced that its ward congresses will begin on April 7, followed by local government and state congresses as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

 

 

According to the party, the activities form part of its constitutional process to renew leadership structures across all levels, from polling units and wards to local government and state levels, culminating in the national convention.

 

 

In a joint statement signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary Prince Chinwdu Idigo and National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the party encouraged members to participate in the process.

 

 

The statement read: “Forms and further information are available via the official ADC website.” It also urged members nationwide “to participate actively in the process and to conduct themselves in accordance with the constitution, guidelines, and democratic values of the African Democratic Congress.”