Political tension in Edo State reached a boiling point on Thursday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) forcibly reclaimed a secretariat in Benin City, a property the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has occupied for four years. The dramatic confrontation, marked by allegations of violence and police intervention, highlights the volatile political landscape of the state.
The property at No. 59 Airport Road, long contested between the two parties, became the centre of a storm after APC Chairman Jarret Tenebe led party members, including APC Youth Leader Tony Kabaka, to retake the premises. Armed individuals reportedly accompanied the APC members, prompting a heated altercation that left PDP Chairman Tony Aziegbemi assaulted and forced to flee.
Videos of the incident, which have since gone viral, captured Tenebe defying police efforts to de-escalate the situation. In the footage, Tenebe is heard insisting, “There is nothing on earth that will make me leave this place,” a statement he repeated amid police intervention. The confrontation further escalated when APC supporters, dressed in black, chased police officers away, striking vehicles with sticks and clubs.
The PDP has condemned the takeover as an unlawful act of aggression aimed at destabilising the opposition. “This is a clear affront to democracy and an unprovoked attack on our party,” said PDP spokesperson Barr. Anthony Ehilebo. He accused the police of complicity, alleging they failed to prevent APC supporters from forcefully seizing the property.
The APC, however, claims the action was justified. According to Tenebe, the property rightfully belongs to the APC, which had renewed its lease for seven years before the PDP, with the backing of then-Governor Godwin Obaseki, allegedly expelled the APC from the building in 2019.
Tenebe declared the reclamation as a fulfilment of a promise he made upon assuming office. “Today is the happiest day of my life. I promised to reclaim all properties taken from the APC, and that is exactly what we have done. This secretariat belongs to us, and we will remodel it to reflect our identity,” he said.
The clash underscores the ongoing rivalry between the APC and PDP, both of whom remain locked in a fierce struggle for dominance in Edo State. The PDP alleged the takeover was a calculated move to undermine its ongoing election petition at the state tribunal.
“This brazen act of violence is part of a larger plan to intimidate our members and subvert justice,” said Ehilebo. “We call on the Inspector General of Police and the Edo State Commissioner of Police to intervene and restore order. The APC must understand that no one is above the law.”
Meanwhile, APC members celebrated the reclamation, insisting it was a rightful act. “This secretariat has always been ours,” said Tenebe. “When we were illegally evicted, we sought justice, and now we have it.”
Police, led by Deputy Commissioner Ben Abang, were present at the scene and attempted to mediate. However, critics argue that their response failed to prevent violence or protect PDP members.
As Edo State remains on edge, political observers warn of escalating tensions that could further destabilise the region. The state, still grappling with the aftermath of its recent governorship election, is a hotbed of political rivalry, with both parties vying for control of strategic assets and narratives.
The confrontation over the secretariat is the latest flashpoint in a long-standing feud that has polarised the state’s political landscape. For many Edo residents, the question remains: how far will the rivalry between the APC and PDP go?
