Gunman causes chaos outside Edo tribunal, PDP accuses APC of intimidation

Chaos erupted outside the Governorship Election Tribunal in Benin City today when an unidentified gunman, dressed in attire resembling that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), fired multiple shots into the air. The shocking incident has intensified tensions in the disputed Edo State governorship election, with the PDP accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the act to disrupt proceedings.

In a statement, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, condemned the shooting, labelling it a “desperate attempt” by the APC to frustrate the tribunal and discredit the opposition party.

READ MORE: Edo APC decries violence at tribunal venue, blames PDP supporters

“Pray tell, why would the PDP attempt to disrupt the only opportunity it has to reclaim the mandate given to it by the people of Edo State during the last governorship election?” the statement read.

The PDP maintained that it had instructed its members to avoid the tribunal venue in anticipation of potential APC-instigated violence.

Eyewitnesses reported that the gunman arrived at the courthouse in a white, unmarked Hilux vehicle, wearing a mask and clothing emblazoned with PDP logos. Videos circulating on social media show the gunman firing sporadically into the air, causing panic as people scrambled for safety.

Despite the presence of law enforcement near the scene, the shooter was not apprehended, raising questions about the adequacy of the police response. Security personnel eventually restored order, but the gunman’s actions left lingering fears of escalating violence around the tribunal.

PDP Accuses APC of Orchestrating Chaos

The PDP alleged that the gunman’s actions were part of a broader APC strategy to intimidate and distract from the tribunal’s crucial deliberations. They pointed to the APC’s history of employing similar tactics to suppress opposition voices in local councils and public spaces.

“The APC is clearly using this strategy to intimidate and discredit us,” the PDP stated. “The fact that this gunman acted openly and was not arrested speaks volumes.”

The party called on law enforcement to immediately apprehend and prosecute the shooter, whose identity they claimed could be discerned from the viral footage.

READ MORE: Eschew violence, divisive utterances, Tinubu tells Nigerians

The tribunal proceedings are a pivotal moment for the PDP, which is challenging the declared victory of Monday Okpebholo of the APC. The opposition party insists that widespread electoral irregularities cost it the governorship and has vowed to reclaim its mandate through the courts.

The PDP concluded its statement with a stark warning to the APC: “Enough is enough of this rascality and lawlessness. This must stop immediately before it leads to a total breakdown of law and order in the State.”

Find the statement from the PDP below:

The shooting incident has highlighted growing concerns over political violence in Nigeria, particularly in contentious electoral disputes. Observers have urged both parties to de-escalate tensions and called on security agencies to ensure the safety of tribunal proceedings.

As the tribunal continues, the stakes remain high, with both parties seeking to solidify their positions amidst a backdrop of heightened political tension.