Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has strongly condemned the recent attack on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the incident as an internal party dispute that spiralled into violence.
In a statement issued Tuesday night, the governor sympathised with those affected, lamenting what he called the exploitation of the state’s peaceful atmosphere by individuals allegedly seeking to foment unrest.
“As peace-loving people, the importation of thugs and miscreants from outside the state under the guise of party politics remains totally condemned and will not be tolerated going forward,” Okpebholo stated.
Reaffirming his role as the state’s chief security officer, he stressed that he would not allow Edo to be turned into “a theatre of conflict” in the name of political rivalry. While noting that the full motive behind the attack remains unclear, the governor suggested that the incident may have been aimed at tarnishing Edo’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states.
He maintained that no amount of political blackmail would deter residents from supporting a government they believe in, adding that politics should be rooted in performance, meaningful engagement, and the continuous effort to earn public trust.
“When politicians or individuals orchestrate violence for political advantage, it only reveals a lack of substance and value to offer the electorate,” he said.
Okpebholo, whose party remains a dominant political force in the state, said it welcomes healthy opposition and would not be intimidated by what he described as blackmail or self-inflicted crises. He urged the ADC to resolve what he characterised as internal disagreements rather than directing accusations outward.
The governor also appealed to residents to remain calm and committed to preserving peace, warning that any attempt to incite crisis under the guise of political activities would be firmly resisted. He further called on security agencies, including the police, to heighten surveillance around political gatherings to prevent escalation.
Obi, ADC React
The attack reportedly occurred at the Benin City residence of former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, where ADC chieftains had gathered shortly after returning from the party’s secretariat. The event marked the formal reception of former Labour Party governorship candidate Olumide Akpata into the ADC.
Gunmen suspected to be political thugs allegedly disrupted the gathering, sparking widespread condemnation.
Reacting to the incident, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party and ADC chieftain, Peter Obi, vowed that the matter would not be ignored.
“We will make a formal complaint, and I assure you that this cannot continue,” Obi told party members in Benin City. “We cannot have terrorism terrorising the country and officials in government terrorising citizens. It is unacceptable.”
The ADC leadership also denounced the attack, insisting it would neither bow to intimidation nor retreat from its political activities.
“Violence and intimidation are the weapons of those who fear the will of the people,” the party’s spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, said in a statement. “Such actions stain our democracy and must be condemned by all who believe in freedom.”
Despite the tensions, state authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring that political competition in Edo remains peaceful and democratic.
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