A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress in Edo State, Ken Imasuagbon, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently rein in members of the All Progressives Congress in the state following the reported attack on opposition figures in Benin.
Imasuagbon made the call on Wednesday while reacting to a reported attack on the ADC secretariat and the residence of a former governor of the state, John Odigie-Oyegun, in Benin, where the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and other political stakeholders were meeting.
Describing the development as a dangerous sign for democracy, Imasuagbon warned that the President’s failure to check alleged excesses by APC members in the state could plunge Edo into chaos.
He said, “It is deeply troubling that Edo State is witnessing this emerging wave of political intolerance.
“What happened on Tuesday is a prelude to chaos and anarchy if not urgently addressed. President Tinubu must call his party members in Edo to order before the situation spirals out of control.”
The ADC chieftain alleged that the attack bore the “imprint of ruling party hirelings,” stressing that such acts of intimidation and political gangsterism have no place in a democratic society.
He noted that the presidency has a responsibility to ensure that members of the ruling party uphold democratic norms.
According to him, the reported attacks have tarnished the image of Edo State and raised concerns about the safety of opposition leaders.
He cautioned against turning Edo into a political battleground ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging the President to demonstrate leadership by promoting tolerance and internal discipline within the APC.
He added, “Edo State should not be reduced to a theatre of political warfare as 2027 approaches. Politics must be played freely and fairly. The President must rein in his party members and ensure that democracy is not undermined by acts of desperation.
“I urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to maintain law and order, as the state deserves a leadership focused on governance rather than political intimidation.
Imasuagbon maintained that safeguarding Edo’s democratic heritage requires immediate action from both the presidency and the state government to prevent further breakdown of peace and order.
The PUNCH reported that the African Democratic Congress Edo State secretariat came under attack on Tuesday, hours after Obi welcomed LP Edo 2024 governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, into the party.
Suspected gunmen stormed the secretariat at Ogbelaka Street, off Sokponba Road, firing sporadically and destroying chairs, canopies, banners, and other property.
Some party members present at the secretariat sustained injuries.
They later moved to the residence of ADC National Leader, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, where gunshots were fired, and vehicles parked near the gate were damaged.
Dignitaries, including Obi, Akpata, Odigie-Oyegun, and Prof Oserhiemen Osunbor, were inside the residence at the time.
The Edo State government has described as false and malicious claims by former Anambra State governor and Labour Party Presidential aspirants, Peter Obi, that members of his political camp were attacked by government officials in Edo State.
The government said ADC’s account is a clear misrepresentation of the facts.
The statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele, read, “The Edo State Government has noted with concern the allegation by former Anambra State governor and Labour Party figure, Peter Obi, claiming that members of his political camp were attacked by government officials in Edo State.
“We wish to state unequivocally that the Okpebholo administration is not, and will never be, in the business of attacking innocent Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation.
“No directive was at any time issued by the Governor or any organ of the Edo State Government to target members of any political party.
“These allegations lack credible evidence and appear calculated to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension.”
The statement recalled the Governor’s earlier position regarding high-profile political visits to Edo State, in which he made it clear that his comments were guided solely by his security responsibilities as the state’s Chief Security Officer, and not borne out of political hostility toward any individual or group.
It noted that Governor Okpebholo had consistently maintained that politically exposed persons are expected to notify relevant authorities ahead of major public engagements to enable adequate security coordination in the interest of public safety.
The statement continues, “We view any attempt to twist the Governor’s security advisory into claims of intimidation or orchestrated attacks as unfortunate, misleading and politically motivated.
“For the avoidance of doubt, just yesterday, Monday, 23 February, a faction of the ADC led by former Chief Whip of the Senate, Roland Owie, was shut out of a meeting held at the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun’s due to an internal crisis within the party and was only resolved following a detachment of armed police officers to restore peace.
“It is now evident that the ADC and, by extension, Peter Obi are mischievous and are making efforts to cast aspersion on the good things that this administration is doing. It only suggests to us that Peter Obi is synonymous with violence, and the state government will not condone such acts.
“The Edo State Government, therefore, urges political actors to verify facts before making public statements capable of overheating the polity. The administration remains firmly committed to protecting all residents and visitors while upholding Nigerians’ constitutional rights to lawful movement and association.
“The government reiterates that its focus remains on governance, public safety and economic development, and not political persecution.”