Kebbi attack: thugs with machetes hit ADC campaign convoys as Amnesty condemns 'brutal repression' of opposition

Amnesty International has condemned a violent attack on campaign convoys of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State, the latest in a string of assaults on opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 elections.

The attack happened on Thursday. Armed gangs blocked roads and set upon ADC members with cutlasses, knives and machetes, and pelted them with stones and bottles, according to Amnesty, which said it had reviewed video footage of the incident. One of the verified recordings was filmed in Argungu Local Government Area. Several campaign vehicles were badly damaged, and journalists covering the convoy had their cameras and broadcast equipment destroyed. The number of people injured has not been confirmed.

The ADC's governorship candidate in Kebbi, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, said his convoy was attacked by thugs. The party's presidential candidate is Atiku Abubakar.

Amnesty described the violence as part of a brutal campaign of repression against the opposition and said no Nigerian should be harmed or killed for taking part in peaceful politics. It accused security agencies of repeatedly failing to stop attacks on opposition gatherings, and called for the attackers and their sponsors to be prosecuted.

The Kebbi State government has denied intimidating the opposition. The police had not confirmed details of the incident or any arrests at the time of publishing, and no group has been officially blamed.

The attack follows violence at rallies in Lafia and Calabar, and the assault on Omoyele Sowore's team in Ado-Ekiti, all within the past two weeks.