Warn against rising political violence
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has condemned the recent assault on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), characterising the incident as an escalation of internal party conflict that has gone excessively far.

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

The governor expressed sympathy for the affected party members. He noted that it was regrettable that certain individuals allegedly exploited Edo State’s peaceful environment to incite violence.

In a statement, he said: “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.”
 
He affirmed that, as the state’s chief security officer, he would prevent Edo from becoming a battleground for political rivalry.
 
“While the precise motive behind this attack remains unclear, I strongly believe its primary aim is to discredit Edo State and undermine its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful regions,” Ekpebholo said.
 
The governor emphasised that politics should focus on performance, engagement with the populace, and ongoing efforts to earn public trust.

Meanwhile, the ADC has again condemned what it described as a gun attack and assassination attempt in Edo State targeting former governor John Oyegun, party leader Peter Obi, and Olumide Akpata, declaring that the ruling party is proving to be a terrorist organisation.

In condemning the incident, the ADC said the attack reflects a troubling pattern of political intimidation against the opposition. The party also accused Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, of making inflammatory claims and threats that have heightened tensions and could lead to further breakdown of law and order.
 
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said: “This was not an isolated incident. It bears the unmistakable marks of a dangerous and escalating pattern of political intimidation and terror against our party across the country. The resort to gunfire against lawful political actors represents an act of terrorism against the opposition, which has no place in a constitutional democracy.
 
“We are particularly alarmed by the pattern of inflammatory rhetoric and threats that have preceded these events, including the outrageous claim by the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who had earlier issued a threat that he would not guarantee the safety of Obi should he visit Edo State. The governor has since gone ahead to make further ridiculous claims that the ADC is sponsoring cultism in Edo State, and threatened to start demolishing properties of the opposition in the state.

“The Federal Government and the Edo State Government are free to continue on their present course. But let there be no misunderstanding: if any harm comes to our leaders, members, or supporters as a result of this escalating climate of official hostility, intimidation, or incitement, the responsibility for whatever consequences follow will rest squarely with those who chose the path of provocation over the path of peace.”

The party said that it was compiling all cases of acts of ‘terrorism’ by the ruling APC against the ADC, disclosing that the party would make its reports available to all diplomatic missions as well as the ECOWAS Court of Human Rights.

Also, the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has also condemned the reported assassination attempt on Obi and Odigie-Oyegun in Edo State.
 
Describing the alleged plot as “deeply disturbing,” the Kogi senator warned that Nigeria must not allow political rivalry to descend into violence, intimidation, or reckless hostility.
 
In a strongly worded statement, Akpoti-Uduaghan said the development, if confirmed, represents not just an attack on individuals but a direct assault on democratic values and constitutional freedoms.
   
In the same vein, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), yesterday, 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.
  
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, 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.

IPAC called on President Bola 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.
  
Relatedly, a 2024 Edo State Labour Party (LP) governorship aspirant, Ken Imansuangbon, has warned political gladiators not to turn the state into a battleground ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement, Imansuangbon, who is now a chieftain of the ADC, said: “Edo State should not be turned into a political battlefield as 2027 approaches. We have gone past that era. Politics should be played freely and fairly,” he stated.
 
He urged Okpebholo to rise to the occasion and ensure law and order.  Imansuangbon further lamented that the incident had brought reputational damage to Edo State.