Edo attack: Okpebholo distances self, says internal crisis in ADC taken too far

by · The Eagle Online

Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued a firm condemnation of the recent attack on the Edo State secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the residence of the party’s national leader, John Odigie-Oyegun.

Okpebholo, while absolving his government of alleged involvement, described the incident as an internal party crisis that had been taken too far.

In a personally signed statement, the governor condemned the attacks and expressed sympathy with affected ADC members. 

He noted that it was unfortunate that certain elements allegedly exploited the peaceful atmosphere of Edo State to perpetrate violence.

“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,” the governor stated.

He stressed that, as Chief Security Officer of the state, he would not allow Edo to be turned into a theatre of conflict in the name of political rivalry.

“Even though the precise motive behind this attack may not yet be fully known, I strongly believe that the ultimate objective is to discredit Edo State and undermine its reputation as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria,” he added.

Okpebholo further declared that no amount of political blackmail would sway the people of Edo from supporting a government they hold dear, emphasizing that politics should focus on performance, engagement, and earning public trust.

He warned that when politicians allegedly orchestrate violence for political advantage, it reflects a lack of meaningful value to offer the electorate. 

While sympathizing with ADC members, he advised the party to refrain from directing accusations outside its fold, suggesting the crisis stemmed from internal disagreements.

The governor also appealed to residents to remain calm and urged security agencies to stay vigilant and closely monitor political gatherings that could escalate into violence.

Meanwhile, the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alleged that recent public accusations linking the ADC to cultism could trigger attacks.

In a statement by State Publicity Secretary Dan Osa-Ogbegie, the party warned that no governor in a constitutional democracy has the power to criminalise political opposition by proclamation.

“The sequence is deeply concerning. First, inflammatory accusations. Then threats of demolition. Now reported armed intimidation. This trajectory must be halted immediately,” he said.

The PDP called on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to remain professional and impartial, stressing that their loyalty is to the Constitution, not political office holders.

In his reaction, a chieftain of the ADC and former governorship aspirant of the Labour Party (LP), Ken Imansuagbon, described the incidents as rising political intolerance in the state, warning that the attacks could trigger chaos if not urgently addressed.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to rein in members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, alleging that the attack bore the imprint of ruling party hirelings.

“It is deeply troubling that Edo State is witnessing this emerging wave of political intolerance. What happened is a prelude to chaos and anarchy if not checked,” he said.

A Labour Party chieftain and National Coordinator of the Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC), Kingsley Oghogho Okundaye, also condemned the attack, describing it as the second violent incident targeting the ADC in the state.

“What happened to the Edo State secretariat of ADC is not just an attack on a party — it is an attack on democracy itself,” he said, adding that politics must never become a theatre of violence or intimidation.

He called on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to ensure that justice is served.

On its part, the Edo State Obidient Movement, led by State Coordinator Asemota Igiogbe, also condemned the attack, describing the escalation as a dangerous descent into political lawlessness.

The group expressed concern over alleged past statements suggesting that the security of Peter Obi could not be guaranteed in Edo State, warning that threats against political leaders and disruption of peaceful gatherings could push Nigeria toward authoritarianism.

The movement demanded:

Immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved

A transparent investigation into possible incitement

Clear guarantees of safety for all political actors and citizens

It insisted that the attack represents a direct assault on democracy and vowed that its members would not be intimidated into silence.

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