By Mohammed Yakubu Lailai from Kaduna.

Amnesty International in Nigeria has expressed deep and grave concern over the escalating wave of violent attacks being carried out against members of the opposition in Nigeria, warning that the country’s democracy, its civic space, and the fundamental rights of millions of citizens are now under serious threat.

The global human rights organisation said it is particularly alarmed by what happened in Kebbi State during the campaign gathering of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, where armed gangs unleashed coordinated violence on opposition members, supporters, and journalists.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said the Kebbi incident was not an isolated case, but part of a dangerous and troubling pattern that is spreading across the country and creating a toxic climate of fear, intimidation, and violence.

What happened in Kebbi is a clear danger to the rights of opposition political parties to hold their activities freely,” Amnesty International stated. “No Nigerian should be harmed or killed for taking part in peaceful politics.

WHAT HAPPENED IN KEBBI

According to Amnesty International, the attack took place on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, as the campaign convoy of the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, moved through the state for campaign engagements.

The organisation said it analysed video footage from the scene, and the footage revealed a chilling and well-coordinated assault.

Armed gangs were seen blocking roads, stopping vehicles, and attacking opposition members with cutlasses, knives and machetes. They also pelted convoys with stones and bottles, and severely vandalised campaign vehicles. 

In one verified recording from Argungu Local Government Area, suspected political thugs were seen hunting down opposition figures, beating them severely, and destroying their transport. 

 “One of the footages from Argungu, shows opposition members being hunted by thugs; beaten severely — and their vehicles destroyed,” the organisation stated. 

The attack, Amnesty said, did not spare journalists. Media personnel accompanying the political train were deliberately targeted. Their cameras, video equipment, tripods and other working tools were destroyed in what observers describe as an attempt to prevent the documentation of the violence. 

Members of Atiku’s campaign team said suspected thugs blocked the convoy at different junctions, pelted vehicles with stones and smashed cameras, leaving the crew unable to continue live coverage. 

The ADC’s governorship candidate in Kebbi, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, also said his convoy was attacked by thugs.

As of the time of Amnesty’s statement, the exact number of people injured had not been confirmed, and no official arrests had been announced by the police. 

The Kebbi State government has denied any role in intimidating the opposition. 

A PATTERN, NOT AN ACCIDENT

For Amnesty International, the most worrying aspect of the Kebbi attack is that it fits into a larger, nationwide pattern.

The organisation said the assault in Kebbi came just days after a similar bloody confrontation targeting ADC campaigners in neighbouring Sokoto State, and points to a coordinated pattern of intimidation designed to suppress political pluralism. 

In Sokoto, at least two persons believed to be ADC supporters were allegedly shot along the Wurno-Sokoto Road, while several vehicles conveying supporters to the party’s presidential campaign rally were reportedly attacked in Tambuwal Local Government Area. 

The Kebbi attack also came barely 24 hours after the party held its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto, and a day after the convoy of another opposition presidential candidate, Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was attacked in Calabar, Cross River State, where police confirmed the arrest of a suspect. 

Amnesty also linked the recent violence to attacks in Lafia and Calabar, and the assault on Omoyele Sowore’s team in Ado-Ekiti, all within the past two weeks. 

The Kebbi incident, coming days after similar bloody attacks on ADC campaigns in neighbouring Sokoto State, is part of a troubling pattern of brutal attacks targeting opposition members across the country.” 627a

SECURITY AGENCIES ACCUSED OF FAILURE

In his remarks to the press, Isa Sanusi, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, faulted the Nigerian government and security agencies for what he described as recurring operational failures and a persistent lack of accountability. 

Amnesty International has accused Nigerian security agencies of failing to prevent or stop attacks on opposition political activities. 

“In all cases investigated by Amnesty International, security agencies failed to do their job of preventing or stopping the attacks to protect the right to freedom of association.” 

The organisation specifically cited similar failures in Niger, Kaduna, Edo and Enugu states, alleging that authorities had failed to ensure accountability in cases it investigated. 

It also questioned the response of security agencies, accusing them of failing to intervene during attacks on opposition members in several states. 

Sanusi stressed that the duty of the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies is not to take sides in politics, but to protect every Nigerian, regardless of party, religion, ethnicity, or political belief.

He said that when security agencies stand by while opposition members are beaten, or when no one is arrested and prosecuted after such open violence, it sends a dangerous message that violence pays and that perpetrators can act with impunity.

AMNESTY’S DEMANDS: PROTECT EVERY CITIZEN

Amnesty International Nigeria is now calling on the Federal Government, State Governments, and all security agencies to take immediate, concrete and visible steps to guarantee the safety of every citizen, especially at campaign rallies and political gatherings.

The demands include:

1. Protection at all campaign rallies: Every Nigerian has the right to attend, organise, and participate in political rallies without fear of attack. Security agencies must deploy adequately, prevent road blockades by thugs, and respond swiftly when violence erupts.

2. Protection for journalists: Journalists covering campaigns must be allowed to work freely. Targeting cameras and equipment is an attack on press freedom and on the public’s right to know.

3. Prompt investigation and prosecution: All those who sponsored, organised, or carried out the attacks in Kebbi, Sokoto, and other states must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted according to the law, no matter how powerful they are.

4. End to impunity: The government must break the cycle where political violence happens before every election and nobody is punished. Without accountability, the violence will only grow worse as the 2027 general elections approach.

5. Guarantee of freedom of association and peaceful assembly: Amnesty warned that continued attacks on opposition parties could undermine democratic participation and create an atmosphere of fear ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

Amnesty said the incidents undermined citizens’ rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly. 

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY

Isa Sanusi warned that Nigeria is at a critical moment. With political activities intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections, the way the country handles political violence now will determine whether citizens can freely choose their leaders, or whether fear will decide the outcome.

He explained that democracy is not just about voting on election day. It is about the freedom to meet, to speak, to organise, to campaign, to criticise the government, and to support the opposition, without being beaten, chased, or killed.

When opposition members cannot move freely in Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger, Kaduna, Edo, Enugu, or any other state, it means millions of Nigerians are being denied their constitutional rights.

When journalists cannot record what is happening because their cameras are smashed, it means the truth is being hidden, and the public is being kept in darkness.

When thugs can block roads with cutlasses in broad daylight and walk away free, it means the rule of law is being weakened, and the authority of the state is being challenged by criminals.

Sanusi therefore urged the government to see the protection of the opposition not as a favour to the opposition, but as a duty to the Constitution, to democracy, and to every Nigerian.

He said the government must prove, through action and not just words, that it is committed to free, fair, credible, and peaceful elections.

A MESSAGE TO ALL STAKEHOLDERS

Amnesty International also called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to reject violence in all its forms, and to ensure that their campaigns remain peaceful.

It urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and the international community to speak out against political repression and to demand accountability.

It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS, and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to play their constitutional roles without bias, and to ensure that the electoral environment is safe for all.

Amnesty International concluded that the ongoing political repression is undermining democracy and creating a ‘toxic climate of fear and violence,’ urging immediate attention from Nigerian security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

In conclusion, Amnesty International Nigeria, through its Director Isa Sanusi, has made its position very clear: Nigeria cannot afford to normalise political violence.

The attack in Kebbi must not be treated as just another campaign incident to be forgotten. It must be investigated, the perpetrators must be brought to justice, and the victims must get justice and protection.

The government and security agencies must take urgent steps to protect every citizen, especially at campaign rallies, because the right to life, the right to freedom of association, the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, and the right to participate in politics belong to all Nigerians, not just those in power.

If those rights are protected, Nigeria’s democracy will grow stronger. If they are violated with impunity, the country risks sliding into deeper fear, division, and instability.

As Isa Sanusi told journalists, the message is simple: protect every Nigerian, protect the opposition, protect journalists, protect the vote, and protect democracy itself — before it is too late.

DEMANDS PROTECTION FOR ALL NIGERIANS AHEAD OF 2027 ELECTIONS

*By Our Correspondent*
Amnesty International in Nigeria has expressed deep and grave concern over the escalating wave of violent attacks being carried out against members of the opposition in Nigeria, warning that the country’s democracy, its civic space, and the fundamental rights of millions of citizens are now under serious threat.
The global human rights organisation said it is particularly alarmed by what happened in Kebbi State during the campaign gathering of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, where armed gangs unleashed coordinated violence on opposition members, supporters, and journalists.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said the Kebbi incident was not an isolated case, but part of a dangerous and troubling pattern that is spreading across the country and creating a toxic climate of fear, intimidation, and violence.
> “What happened in Kebbi is a clear danger to the rights of opposition political parties to hold their activities freely,” Amnesty International stated. “No Nigerian should be harmed or killed for taking part in peaceful politics.” c44c
WHAT HAPPENED IN KEBBI
According to Amnesty International, the attack took place on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, as the campaign convoy of the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, moved through the state for campaign engagements.
The organisation said it analysed video footage from the scene, and the footage revealed a chilling and well-coordinated assault.
Armed gangs were seen blocking roads, stopping vehicles, and attacking opposition members with cutlasses, knives and machetes. They also pelted convoys with stones and bottles, and severely vandalised campaign vehicles. 686e
In one verified recording from Argungu Local Government Area, suspected political thugs were seen hunting down opposition figures, beating them severely, and destroying their transport. 686e
> “One of the footages from Argungu, shows opposition members being hunted by thugs; beaten severely — and their vehicles destroyed,” the organisation stated. 234b
The attack, Amnesty said, did not spare journalists. Media personnel accompanying the political train were deliberately targeted. Their cameras, video equipment, tripods and other working tools were destroyed in what observers describe as an attempt to prevent the documentation of the violence. 686e
Members of Atiku’s campaign team said suspected thugs blocked the convoy at different junctions, pelted vehicles with stones and smashed cameras, leaving the crew unable to continue live coverage. 627a
The ADC’s governorship candidate in Kebbi, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, also said his convoy was attacked by thugs. c44c
As of the time of Amnesty’s statement, the exact number of people injured had not been confirmed, and no official arrests had been announced by the police. c44c
The Kebbi State government has denied any role in intimidating the opposition. c44c
A PATTERN, NOT AN ACCIDENT
For Amnesty International, the most worrying aspect of the Kebbi attack is that it fits into a larger, nationwide pattern.
The organisation said the assault in Kebbi came just days after a similar bloody confrontation targeting ADC campaigners in neighbouring Sokoto State, and points to a coordinated pattern of intimidation designed to suppress political pluralism. 686e
In Sokoto, at least two persons believed to be ADC supporters were allegedly shot along the Wurno-Sokoto Road, while several vehicles conveying supporters to the party’s presidential campaign rally were reportedly attacked in Tambuwal Local Government Area. 627a
The Kebbi attack also came barely 24 hours after the party held its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto, and a day after the convoy of another opposition presidential candidate, Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was attacked in Calabar, Cross River State, where police confirmed the arrest of a suspect. 627a
Amnesty also linked the recent violence to attacks in Lafia and Calabar, and the assault on Omoyele Sowore’s team in Ado-Ekiti, all within the past two weeks. c44c
> “The Kebbi incident, coming days after similar bloody attacks on ADC campaigns in neighbouring Sokoto State, is part of a troubling pattern of brutal attacks targeting opposition members across the country.” 627a
SECURITY AGENCIES ACCUSED OF FAILURE
In his remarks to the press, Isa Sanusi, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, faulted the Nigerian government and security agencies for what he described as recurring operational failures and a persistent lack of accountability. 686e
Amnesty International has accused Nigerian security agencies of failing to prevent or stop attacks on opposition political activities. 7d3c
> “In all cases investigated by Amnesty International, security agencies failed to do their job of preventing or stopping the attacks to protect the right to freedom of association.” 7d3c
The organisation specifically cited similar failures in Niger, Kaduna, Edo and Enugu states, alleging that authorities had failed to ensure accountability in cases it investigated. 7d3c
It also questioned the response of security agencies, accusing them of failing to intervene during attacks on opposition members in several states. 4adf
Sanusi stressed that the duty of the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies is not to take sides in politics, but to protect every Nigerian, regardless of party, religion, ethnicity, or political belief.
He said that when security agencies stand by while opposition members are beaten, or when no one is arrested and prosecuted after such open violence, it sends a dangerous message that violence pays and that perpetrators can act with impunity.
AMNESTY’S DEMANDS: PROTECT EVERY CITIZEN
Amnesty International Nigeria is now calling on the Federal Government, State Governments, and all security agencies to take immediate, concrete and visible steps to guarantee the safety of every citizen, especially at campaign rallies and political gatherings.
The demands include:
*1. Protection at all campaign rallies:* Every Nigerian has the right to attend, organise, and participate in political rallies without fear of attack. Security agencies must deploy adequately, prevent road blockades by thugs, and respond swiftly when violence erupts.
*2. Protection for journalists:* Journalists covering campaigns must be allowed to work freely. Targeting cameras and equipment is an attack on press freedom and on the public’s right to know.
*3. Prompt investigation and prosecution:* All those who sponsored, organised, or carried out the attacks in Kebbi, Sokoto, and other states must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted according to the law, no matter how powerful they are.
*4. End to impunity:* The government must break the cycle where political violence happens before every election and nobody is punished. Without accountability, the violence will only grow worse as the 2027 general elections approach.
*5. Guarantee of freedom of association and peaceful assembly:* Amnesty warned that continued attacks on opposition parties could undermine democratic participation and create an atmosphere of fear ahead of the 2027 general elections. 66c7
Amnesty said the incidents undermined citizens’ rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly. 2a6d
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY
Isa Sanusi warned that Nigeria is at a critical moment. With political activities intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections, the way the country handles political violence now will determine whether citizens can freely choose their leaders, or whether fear will decide the outcome.
He explained that democracy is not just about voting on election day. It is about the freedom to meet, to speak, to organise, to campaign, to criticise the government, and to support the opposition, without being beaten, chased, or killed.
When opposition members cannot move freely in Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger, Kaduna, Edo, Enugu, or any other state, it means millions of Nigerians are being denied their constitutional rights.
When journalists cannot record what is happening because their cameras are smashed, it means the truth is being hidden, and the public is being kept in darkness.
When thugs can block roads with cutlasses in broad daylight and walk away free, it means the rule of law is being weakened, and the authority of the state is being challenged by criminals.
Sanusi therefore urged the government to see the protection of the opposition not as a favour to the opposition, but as a duty to the Constitution, to democracy, and to every Nigerian.
He said the government must prove, through action and not just words, that it is committed to free, fair, credible, and peaceful elections.
A MESSAGE TO ALL STAKEHOLDERS
Amnesty International also called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to reject violence in all its forms, and to ensure that their campaigns remain peaceful.
It urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and the international community to speak out against political repression and to demand accountability.
It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS, and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to play their constitutional roles without bias, and to ensure that the electoral environment is safe for all.
> “Amnesty International concluded that the ongoing political repression is undermining democracy and creating a ‘toxic climate of fear and violence,’ urging immediate attention from Nigerian security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.” 

In conclusion, Amnesty International Nigeria, through its Director Isa Sanusi, has made its position very clear: Nigeria cannot afford to normalise political violence.
The attack in Kebbi must not be treated as just another campaign incident to be forgotten. It must be investigated, the perpetrators must be brought to justice, and the victims must get justice and protection.
The government and security agencies must take urgent steps to protect every citizen, especially at campaign rallies, because the right to life, the right to freedom of association, the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, and the right to participate in politics belong to all Nigerians, not just those in power.
If those rights are protected, Nigeria’s democracy will grow stronger. If they are violated with impunity, the country risks sliding into deeper fear, division, and instability.
As Isa Sanusi told journalists, the message is simple: protect every Nigerian, protect the opposition, protect journalists, protect the vote, and protect democracy itself — before it is too late.