The African Democratic Congress Edo Central Senatorial candidate, Herberta Okonofua, former governorship aspirant Kenneth Imasuangbon and other party members reportedly escaped unhurt after suspected gunmen opened fire on their convoy in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State.
An ADC supporter, identified as Jerry Oliha, reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during the incident and was taken to Irrua Specialist Hospital for treatment.
The alleged attack occurred on Tuesday while ADC leaders were conducting political engagements in the area.
The party claimed it was the third time the entourage had come under attack within Igueben Local Government Area, following alleged shootings in Wards 4 and 5.
ADC alleges political attack
In a statement issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Chris Ojeikere, the ADC alleged that the attackers were suspected supporters of the All Progressives Congress and claimed they were led by the Chairman of Igueben Local Government Council, Endurance Azemegbe.
Ojeikere said Oliha was shot at the premises of the Enogie of Igueben before being rushed to Irrua Specialist Hospital.
“The Igueben Local Government Chairman has just led a team of gun-totting assailants to attack the entourage of Kenneth Imasuangbon and the Edo Central ADC Senatorial candidate, Hon. Herberta Okonofua,” Ojeikere said.
He added that the incident was the third alleged attack on the entourage that day, following earlier incidents in Wards 4 and 5.
The party also alleged that similar attacks against opposition members and facilities had occurred in Etsako East, Owan West and Owan East local government areas.
The ADC said the Divisional Police Officer in Igueben had been informed of the incident and announced plans to issue a comprehensive report on what it described as political violence.
Council chairman denies involvement
Azemegbe denied involvement in the alleged attack, saying he was not in Igueben when the incident occurred.
“I was not around and I don’t know what happened. I am just hearing this from you. I can assure you that I will investigate the matter,” he said.
The council chairman said he could not comment on an incident he did not witness, describing the allegation as strange and saying the people of Igueben were peaceful.
Police yet to confirm attack
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the command could not immediately confirm the incident.
She said the police would wade into the matter once a formal report was made.
The alleged attack comes amid heightened political activity in Edo State ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also follows reports about comments by Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe concerning the party’s target of delivering 2.5 million votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Reports said Tenebe referred to “AK-47 fire” when speaking about people who might obstruct the party’s target.
There is, however, no indication that Tenebe’s reported comments were connected to Tuesday’s incident, while the police had yet to confirm the circumstances of the shooting.