Outrage and sharp criticism persisted on Wednesday in the wake of the violent assault on the Edo State secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the private residence of the party’s national leader, John Odigie-Oyegun, in Benin City.

 

The Edo State Government distanced itself from any alleged complicity, characterising the development as an internal crisis within the ADC that had spiralled out of control. In a statement personally endorsed by Governor Monday Okpebholo, the attacks were strongly denounced, with the governor extending sympathy to members of the affected party.

 

Okpebholo lamented that certain actors allegedly took advantage of the prevailing peace in Edo State to foment unrest. He condemned what he described as the importation of thugs and criminal elements from outside the state under the pretext of partisan politics, warning that such actions would no longer be tolerated.

 

Reaffirming his role as Chief Security Officer of the state, the governor vowed not to permit Edo to degenerate into a battleground for political rivalry. Although he acknowledged that the precise motive behind the incident remained unclear, he suggested that the ultimate aim might be to tarnish the state’s image and erode its long-standing reputation as one of Nigeria’s more peaceful states.

 

He further maintained that no level of political pressure or blackmail would deter Edo residents from supporting a government they believe in. According to him, politics should centre on measurable performance, constructive engagement, and earning the trust of the electorate. He cautioned that when politicians allegedly resort to orchestrating violence for advantage, it signals a lack of tangible value to offer voters. While expressing solidarity with ADC members, he advised the party to avoid directing blame externally, hinting that the dispute may have originated from internal disagreements.

 

The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and called on security agencies to intensify surveillance around political gatherings to prevent further escalation.

 

PDP Voices Concern

 

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) raised alarm over what it described as a troubling pattern of events. In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Dan Osa-Ogbegie, the PDP warned that recent public allegations linking the ADC to cult-related activities could incite violence.

 

The party stressed that in a constitutional democracy, no governor possesses the authority to criminalise opposition groups by mere pronouncement. It described the unfolding sequence — inflammatory claims, threats of demolition, and now reported armed intimidation — as deeply disturbing and urged that it be halted immediately.

 

The PDP called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security bodies to maintain professionalism and neutrality, emphasising that their allegiance lies with the Constitution rather than with political office holders.

 

Imansuagbon Decries Intolerance

 

A prominent ADC figure and former governorship aspirant under the Labour Party (LP), Ken Imansuagbon, described the attacks as evidence of rising political intolerance in Edo State. He warned that failure to address the situation swiftly could plunge the state into chaos.

 

Imansuagbon urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rein in members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, alleging that the perpetrators bore the hallmarks of ruling party loyalists. He characterised the violence as a dangerous signal of looming disorder if left unchecked.

 

LPPMC and Obidient Movement React

 

Kingsley Oghogho Okundaye, a Labour Party chieftain and National Coordinator of the Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC), also denounced the attack, describing it as the second violent episode targeting the ADC in Edo. He argued that the assault was not merely against a political party but against democratic principles, insisting that politics must not be reduced to intimidation or force. He called on the Inspector-General of Police and relevant agencies to ensure that those responsible face justice.

 

Similarly, the Edo State chapter of the Obidient Movement, led by State Coordinator Asemota Igiogbe, condemned the development, warning that the situation signalled a troubling slide into political lawlessness. The group expressed unease over prior remarks allegedly suggesting that the safety of Peter Obi could not be guaranteed in Edo State, cautioning that threats against political actors and the disruption of peaceful assemblies risk steering the country toward authoritarian tendencies.

 

The movement demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those implicated, a transparent probe into possible incitement, and firm assurances of protection for all political stakeholders and citizens. It maintained that the attack constituted a direct blow to democracy and declared that its members would not be silenced through intimidation.