Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has condemned the recent assault on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement on Tuesday night, Okpebholo described the incident as an internal party dispute that “was taken too far.” He sympathised with the affected members while noting that certain elements allegedly exploited Edo’s peaceful environment to perpetrate violence.
“As peace-loving people, the importation of thugs and miscreants from outside the state under the guise of party politics remains totally condemned and will not be tolerated going forward,” he said.
Okpebholo affirmed that, as the state’s chief security officer, he would not allow Edo to become “a theatre of conflict in the name of political rivalry.”
“Even though the precise motive behind this attack may not yet be fully known, I strongly believe that the ultimate objective is to discredit Edo State and undermine its reputation as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria,” he added.
The governor emphasised that no form of political blackmail would sway the residents from supporting a government they trust. According to him, politics should focus on performance, citizen engagement, and continuously earning the electorate’s confidence.
He stressed that attempts to use violence for political gain reflect a lack of meaningful value for voters and reaffirmed that his party welcomes healthy opposition while rejecting intimidation or attacks.
Okpebholo also urged the ADC to address internal disagreements internally rather than blaming external actors and called on Edo residents to remain calm, maintaining the state’s peaceful image.
He warned that any attempts to incite unrest under the pretext of political activity would not be tolerated and encouraged security agencies to closely monitor political gatherings that might escalate into violence.
Obi, ADC Condemn Attack
Gunmen, suspected to be political thugs, attacked some ADC leaders at the residence of former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun in Benin City. The assault reportedly occurred shortly after the leaders returned from the ADC secretariat, where they had formally welcomed former Labour Party governorship candidate Olumide Akpata into the party.
Condemning the attack, former presidential candidate and ADC chieftain Peter Obi said: “We will make a formal complaint, and I assure you that this cannot continue. We cannot have terrorism terrorising the country and have officials in government terrorising citizens. It is unacceptable.”
The ADC leadership vowed not to bow to intimidation. Spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said: “Let it be clearly understood: violence and intimidation are the weapons of those who fear the will of the people. Such actions stain our democracy and must be condemned by all who believe in freedom.”