Governor Monday Okpebholo has condemned the recent attack on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State, warning against rising political violence and vowing not to allow the state descend into chaos.
The incident reportedly occurred during a ceremony organised to formally welcome former Labour Party governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, into the ADC. Suspected thugs allegedly disrupted the event, vandalised the party’s secretariat, and attacked the residence of former Edo governor, John Odigie-Oyegun.
In a statement, Okpebholo described the development as a regrettable escalation of internal political tensions.
“As peace-loving citizens, we categorically condemn and will not tolerate the importation of thugs and miscreants from outside the state under the guise of political activity,” the governor said.
He insisted that, as chief security officer of the state, he would not allow Edo to become a battleground for political rivalry, adding that the attack appeared aimed at tarnishing the state’s image as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful regions.
However, the ADC has strongly condemned what it described as a gun attack and assassination attempt targeting former presidential candidate Peter Obi, Oyegun, and Akpata.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged a disturbing pattern of political intimidation against opposition figures and accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of fostering hostility.
The ADC further criticised Okpebholo over previous comments it described as inflammatory, including remarks suggesting he could not guarantee Obi’s safety if he visited the state. The party warned that any harm to its leaders or supporters would have serious consequences.
It also disclosed plans to document alleged acts of political violence and present its findings to diplomatic missions and the ECOWAS Court of Human Rights.
Adding to the chorus of concern, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the reported assassination attempt, describing it as deeply disturbing and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic values.
Similarly, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) denounced the attack as criminal and a grave assault on the nation’s democratic order. IPAC called on President Bola Tinubu to publicly condemn the violence and direct security agencies to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, former Edo governorship aspirant and ADC chieftain, Ken Imansuangbon, urged political actors not to turn the state into a battlefield ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Edo State should not be turned into a political battlefield as 2027 approaches. Politics should be played freely and fairly,” he said, urging the governor to ensure law and order.
The incident has heightened tensions in the state, with stakeholders warning that escalating political hostility could undermine democratic stability if not urgently addressed.
