Edo attack sparks blame game, opposition demands IG probe

The Inter-Party Advisory Council, opposition parties, and a member of the House of Representatives, Peter Uzokwe, on Wednesday demanded an Inspector General of Police-led investigation into Tuesday’s shooting incident in Edo State, as the African Democratic Congress and the All Progressives Congress exchanged accusations over the attack. The PUNCH reported that gunmen on Tuesday stormed the ADC Edo State Secretariat in Benin, shortly after the formal defection of former Nigerian Bar Association President, Olumide Akpata, to the ADC. The gunmen fired shots, destroyed property and injured members before moving to the residence of former Edo governor, John Odigie-Oyegun, where several opposition figures were gathered, damaging vehicles parked near the gate. Among those present at the Oyegun residence during the attack were former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, Akpata and Prof Oserhiemen Osunbor. National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, had on Tuesday circulated photos and videos showing bullet-ridden gates, smashed SUV windscreens and scattered ADC Secretariat. Tanko further stated that, following Akpata’s declaration for the ADC, some armed individuals followed the party members from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of a party chieftain, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, in what looked like an “assassination attempt on its members.” The attack raised insinuations that the attack was instigated by the All Progressives Congress in Edo State. In a statement on Wednesday, shared by Tanko, the movement described the incident as a “premeditated, two-pronged assassination attempt” and called for an independent and transparent investigation free from political interference. “The Obidient Movement unequivocally condemns the coordinated and violent attack on Mr Peter Obi, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress in Benin City,” the statement read. The movement called on the Federal Government to ensure an immediate and transparent investigation into the attack. It also called for “federal-level intervention by the Inspector-General of Police to ensure the perpetrators and their sponsors are identified, arrested, and prosecuted. “A public condemnation from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a directive to his party members in Edo State and political actors across the country to cease all acts of political violence and intimidation.” The statement claimed that the attack was part of a broader pattern of intimidation and violence against opposition leaders nationwide. The statement read, “Things have now regressed from mere rhetoric to actual violence and threats to life. The failure of the state in this matter is glaring. We will not be intimidated. We will not back down.” The Obidient Movement also criticised the initial police statement, which referred only to damaged chairs and canopies, describing it as an attempt “to minimise the gravity of what happened.” It also called out the Edo State Government for labelling the incident “an internal party matter,” which it said was “an insult to the victims and an abdication of its constitutional duty to protect all citizens.” These calls come as the Edo State Police Command on Wednesday said it had launched an investigation into the attack. A member of the House of Representatives, Uzokwe, who represents Nnewi North-South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency of Anambra State, called on the acting Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to identify and prosecute those behind the alleged attack on the convoy of Peter Obi. The lawmaker, who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress, condemned the incident, describing it as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. According to him, “democracy thrives on healthy competition of ideas, not bullets, not violence, and certainly not assassination plots.” He said, “We must condemn what happened in Edo State yesterday (Tuesday). This is a litmus test for the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr Tunji Disu. I demand an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into this disturbing incident. “The perpetrators, sponsors, and collaborators, no matter how highly placed, must be identified and brought to justice. Anything short of this will send a dangerous signal that political violence is tolerated.” He also called on Governor Okpebholo to publicly condemn the incident. Uzokwe further urged political actors to conduct their activities within the bounds of civility. The ADC and APC also traded accusations over the incident as the Edo state ADC Chairman, Kennedy Odion, particularly blamed the APC for the attack, but the Edo APC chairman, Jarret Tenebe, blamed the attack on the factions within the ADC. In the same vein, the national leadership of the ADC and APC on Wednesday raised accusations over the incident. On its part, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the APC of being responsible for the incident, saying it reflected a worrying pattern of political intimidation against opposition parties. Abdullahi said, “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 Mr Peter Obi should he visit Edo State. “The governor has since gone ahead to make further ridiculous and irresponsible claims that the ADC is sponsoring cultism in Edo State, and threatened to start demolishing properties of the opposition in the state. “Let it be said plainly: Nigeria is not a private estate. Edo State is not the personal property of any party or any governor. No elected official has the constitutional authority to threaten, harass, or endanger law-abiding political actors for exercising their democratic rights. “Our members and supporters across Edo State and Nigeria have the constitutional right to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and the right to lawful self-defence.” The ADC further stated that the Federal Government and the Edo State Government would be held accountable if any harm came to their members. It continued, “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. “We are compiling all cases of acts of terrorism by the ruling APC against our party. We shall soon be making our reports available to all diplomatic missions as well as the ECOWAS Court of Human Rights. “Let no one be left in doubt. Regardless of the level of intimidation, ADC will not bow to terror and will take all lawful means to protect its members and facilities across the country. “We urge all our members to remain vigilant and to go about their lawful activities without fear.” In response, APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, described the allegations of the party’s involvement as “preposterous, rubbish,” warning ADC against dragging the APC into its internal violence issues. The APC called the ADC statement unfortunate, urging the coalition party to resolve its internal issues instead of involving the ruling party. Meseko stated, “Well, as a party, regarding the allegation, if indeed the ADC said so, if they issued a statement, then it is very unfortunate. “This is politics taken too far — a huge joke and a very preposterous allegation. I think the ADC would do well to settle its internal discord rather than draw the APC into it every time they have issues. “I mean, why would the APC plan to assassinate Peter Obi? To achieve what? “We already have 30 governors in our fold, and the majority of National Assembly members. Peter is not a threat. Even if he were, the APC is a peaceful party. “We are not a party that terrorises people; we are peace-loving, as exemplified by our leader, President Bola Tinubu. “Over the past years, he has endured insults and bullying every day, yet he does not retaliate. Unlike some past leaders who were rigid or authoritarian, our party demonstrates tolerance and patience. “So, it is not true. The ADC should go and fix their very troubled house. I think they are still reeling from the devastating defeat we dealt them at the recently concluded FCT elections. “The dizzying effect of that loss has not yet cleared, which is why they are spewing out such claims — and I call it rubbish. “There is a factional dispute in the ADC, and they were fighting among themselves. Why would they now drag the APC into it? This is not politics; this is persecution. ADC should stop persecuting the APC.” The Edo State Government also dismissed claims of targeted attacks by its officials as “false and malicious.” Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the incident coincided with internal ADC disputes, explaining that a faction led by former Senate Chief Whip, Roland Owie, was shut out of a meeting at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence. “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 read. In a personally signed statement on Tuesday night, Okpebholo described the incident as an internal party crisis taken too far. While expressing sympathy with the injured ADC members, Okpebholo said he would not condone Edo being turned into a theatre of conflict in the name of political rivalry. Okpebholo said, “I strongly condemn the recent attack on members of the African Democratic Congress. The incident was an internal party crisis that was taken too far. “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. “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.” Okpebholo said the party was a “leading political force in the state,” hence his party, the APC, was not averse to healthy opposition. He added that the party would not be intimidated by what he described as blackmail or self-inflicted attacks. He said it was expedient for all political parties to resolve their internal disputes before organising events in the state. “Any attempt to foment crisis under the guise of political activities would not be tolerated,” Okpebholo said. He charged the police and other security agencies to remain vigilant and closely monitor political gatherings that could potentially escalate into violence. In various reactions, political parties and party stalwarts urged Tinubu to check what they described as the “excesses of APC members in the state that could plunge Edo into chaos.” In its reaction on Wednesday, IPAC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Martins, described the reported attack on Obi, Odigie-Oyegun and other leaders of the ADC as a dangerous escalation of political intolerance. The council consequently called on President Tinubu and Okpebholo to intervene and ensure accountability. “IPAC calls on President Bola Tinubu to rise above partisan considerations and unequivocally condemn this dastardly act. “We further urge him to deploy the full machinery of the Federal Government to ensure that all those responsible for this coordinated violence are tracked, arrested and prosecuted without delay. “We equally call on the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, to demonstrate statesmanship by rising above party lines and ensuring that justice is served. “IPAC warns that a culture of violence and intolerance against opposition parties poses a serious threat to national stability. “If left unchecked, it could create a dangerous precedent where political disagreements are settled through force rather than through democratic processes,” Martins stated. Similarly, the Edo State chapter of the PDP condemned what it described as Okpebholo’s “politics of intimidation and demolition,” warning that the state was on the brink of political anarchy. In a statement on Wednesday by its Publicity Secretary, Dan Osa-Ogbegie, the PDP accused Okpebholo of descending into “threats, intimidation and dangerous political brinkmanship.” The Edo PDP called on Okpebholo to step down from “threats against opposition members and publicly reaffirm his commitment to constitutional governance.” The party also urged security agencies to conduct a transparent investigation into the reported attack and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice “irrespective of political affiliation.” It added, “We call on the Nigeria Police and all security agencies operating in Edo State to remain professional and impartial. Their loyalty is to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not to transient political office holders.” Also, a chieftain of the ADC in Edo, Ken Imasuagbon, called on Tinubu to urgently rein in members of the APC in the state to stem attacks on opposition figures in the state. Imasuagbon warned that failure by the President to check alleged excesses of APC members in the state could plunge Edo into chaos. The ADC stalwart 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 had 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 urge 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 required immediate action from both the presidency and the state government to prevent further breakdown of peace and order. The South-South Zonal Chairman of the Coalition of Registered Political Parties, Samson