BENIN CITY, Edo State, Nigeria — Political tensions escalated in southern Nigeria after a senior figure of the African Democratic Congress called on Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, to rein in members of the ruling party in Edo State following a reported attack on opposition figures.
Ken Imasuagbon, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress in Edo State, made the appeal while reacting to an incident on Tuesday in Benin City, the capital of Edo State in southern Nigeria. According to reports, suspected gunmen attacked the Edo State secretariat of the African Democratic Congress and later moved to the residence of former Edo State governor, John Odigie-Oyegun.
At the time of the incident, several prominent opposition figures were said to be meeting at the residence. They included Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, as well as Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s 2024 governorship candidate in Edo State, and former Edo State governor Professor Oserhiemen Osunbor.
Imasuagbon described the development as a troubling sign for democracy in Nigeria. He warned that failure by the President to check what he described as the excesses of members of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Edo State could lead to instability ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections scheduled for 2027.
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.”
Imasuagbon alleged that the attack bore the “imprint of ruling party hirelings,” arguing that intimidation and political violence have no place in a democratic society. He said the presidency has a responsibility to ensure that members of the ruling party respect democratic norms and political tolerance.
He further stated that the reported attacks had damaged the image of Edo State and raised concerns about the safety of opposition leaders operating within the state. As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, he cautioned against turning Edo into what he described as a battleground.
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.”
Okay News reports that the African Democratic Congress secretariat located on Ogbelaka Street, off Sokponba Road in Benin City, came under attack on Tuesday, hours after Peter Obi formally welcomed Olumide Akpata into the party structure in Edo State. Witnesses said suspected gunmen fired shots sporadically and damaged chairs, canopies, banners, and other property at the secretariat. Some party members present reportedly sustained injuries.
The attackers were also said to have moved to the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun, where further gunshots were fired and vehicles parked near the gate were damaged. Dignitaries, including Obi, Akpata, Odigie-Oyegun, and Osunbor, were inside the residence at the time.
In response to the allegations, the Edo State Government rejected claims that it played any role in the incident. In a statement issued by Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the government described the accusations as false and politically motivated.
The statement 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 government said the governor’s previous comments about high profile political visits to Edo State were made in his capacity as the state’s Chief Security Officer and were intended to ensure proper security coordination. It added that politically exposed persons are expected to notify relevant authorities before major public engagements in order to guarantee public safety.
The statement further said, “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 African Democratic Congress 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.”
The incident has added to rising political tensions in Edo State, a key political battleground in Nigeria’s South South region, as parties begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
