The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), on Wednesday, condemned the violent attack on former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-Governor of Edo State, John Odigie-Oyegun, alongside other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State.

The attack reportedly occurred following a political ceremony held to formally welcome Olumide Apata into the ADC, during which suspected thugs allegedly assaulted party members, vandalised the ADC secretariat and attacked the residence of Chief Odigie-Oyegun.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins, the Council said the incident was not only criminal but also a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic order.

IPAC described the incident as one of the most serious manifestations of political intolerance in recent times, warning that growing violence against opposition parties poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

According to IPAC, political competition must never degenerate into violence, stressing that the use of intimidation, thuggery and brute force to silence opposition voices remains dangerous and unacceptable in a democratic society.

Martins said: “The use of thuggery, intimidation and brute force to silence opposition voices is dangerous, unacceptable and capable of derailing our hard-earned democracy if not urgently and decisively addressed. Democracy thrives on healthy competition of ideas, not the barrel of a gun.”

IPAC called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rise above partisan interests and publicly condemn the attack while directing security agencies to ensure that those responsible are swiftly tracked, arrested and prosecuted.

The Council urged Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to demonstrate leadership by ensuring justice for victims, noting that safeguarding lives and property remains the primary responsibility of the government, regardless of political affiliation.

Martins added, “The protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of the government and no political grievance can justify the unleashing of violence on opposition figures.

“We warn that a culture of violence and intolerance against opposition parties poses a serious threat to national stability. If left unchecked, it could create a dangerous precedent where political disagreements are settled through force rather than through democratic processes.

“We stand in solidarity with the leadership and members of the ADC and all victims of this attack. Nigeria must not return to the dark days of politically motivated violence. The time to act is now.”