Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemns the violent attack on its Edo State Secretariat shortly after Olumide Akpata’s defection from Labour Party to the ADC at the party’s secretariat.
It was alleged that gunmen stormed the premises, firing shots and injuring several individuals.
The condemnation was contained in a statement signed by Mabel Oboh ADC South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary and was made available to Journalists in Benin.
She said fortunately, key dignitaries, including Peter Obi, Odigie Oyegun, ADC National Chief Whip Festus Igbinoba, National Legal Adviser Oserheimen Osunbor, and ADC South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary Mabel Oboh, had just left the venue before the attack.
Oboh said this marks the second time the ADC Edo State Secretariat has been targeted in violent attacks.
Oboh alleged that preliminary reports suggest involvement of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), although investigations remain ongoing.
“What happened to our Edo State secretariat is not just an attack on a party — it is an attack on democracy itself.
“Politics must never be a theatre of violence, intimidation, or harassment. Political participation must be safe, organised, and lawful”, Oboh said.
According to her, “ADC emphasises that preparedness is a responsibility, not an act of aggression. The party does not endorse violence, but it will not tolerate intimidation.
“The safety of our members remains paramount, and security measures will stay strict at all levels, even during small meetings.
“Our movement is peaceful. Our focus is strategic. Our operations are structured. No one should be allowed to use violence to shine politically at the expense of others,”
She said ADC Edo national leader, Chief Odigie-Oyegun, has invited the authorities and the police to the scene of the incident and the ADC as a party have called on law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities to investigate this attack swiftly and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
According to her, “Democracy is strengthened when political actors conduct themselves lawfully, responsibly, and with respect for citizens’ rights and safety, for serious minds only.
“ADC will continue to protect its members, defend democratic principles, and participate in politics with dignity and discipline.
“We will inform you as more information becomes available”
However, the violent attack was also extended to the residential apartment of the national leader of the party, chief John Odigie Oyegun as suspected thugs wreak havoc on cars packed on his compound.
