Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has condemned the recent attack on members and chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the incident as an internal party crisis that escalated beyond acceptable limits.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night, the governor expressed concern over the violence, while extending sympathy to those affected. He maintained, however, that preliminary indications suggested the episode stemmed from internal disagreements within the party rather than external interference.
Okpebholo said it was unfortunate that certain elements allegedly exploited the peaceful atmosphere of the state to perpetrate acts of violence under the guise of political engagement.
“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 emphasised that as the chief security officer of Edo State, he would not permit the state to be transformed into a theatre of conflict in the name of political rivalry. According to him, maintaining peace and protecting the state’s long-standing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most stable environments remains a priority for his administration.
“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.
The governor insisted that no amount of political blackmail or provocation would derail his administration or diminish public support for his government. He argued that governance should be anchored on measurable performance, constructive engagement with citizens, and sustained efforts to earn public trust.
“Politics should be about performance and service to the people. That is what we are known for, and we will remain committed to that path,” Okpebholo said.
He further argued that any politician or group allegedly resorting to orchestrated violence in pursuit of political advantage demonstrates an absence of substantive value to offer the electorate.
As leader of what he described as the dominant political force in the state, Okpebholo said his party welcomes credible and constructive opposition, stressing that democratic competition is healthy when conducted within lawful boundaries. However, he warned that attempts to use violence or self-inflicted crises to attract sympathy or discredit opponents would not be tolerated.
The governor advised the ADC leadership to refrain from directing accusations outside its ranks, suggesting that the matter appeared to have originated from internal disputes. He urged the party to conduct a thorough review of its internal processes before attributing blame to external actors.
Okpebholo also appealed to residents of Edo State to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate tensions. He cautioned against narratives capable of projecting a false image of instability in the state.
“Edo remains a peaceful state, and no one can take that away from us,” he affirmed.
Issuing a stern warning to political actors allegedly seeking to foment unrest, the governor stated that all parties must resolve internal conflicts before organising major events in the state. He emphasised that political gatherings must not serve as platforms for incitement or confrontation.
“Any attempt to create crisis under the guise of political activities will not be tolerated,” he warned.
He further directed the Nigeria Police and other security agencies operating within the state to intensify surveillance of political events and remain proactive in preventing violence. According to him, early intelligence gathering and swift intervention are critical to averting disruptions.
The governor’s statement followed an incident in Benin City in which gunmen suspected to be political thugs reportedly attacked some ADC chieftains at the residence of former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
The attack was said to have occurred shortly after party leaders returned from the ADC secretariat, where they formally welcomed a former governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Olumide Akpata, into the ADC. Witnesses alleged that the assailants opened fire near the premises, causing panic and damaging property.
Reacting to the incident, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who is now a leading figure within the ADC, condemned the attack and vowed to pursue official redress.
“We will make a formal complaint, and I assure you that this cannot continue,” Obi told party members in Benin City. “We have a country, and we are part of the country. We cannot have terrorism terrorising the country and have officials in government terrorising citizens. It is unacceptable.”
The ADC leadership also issued a statement asserting that it would not be intimidated by acts of violence. The party’s spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the attack as an affront to democratic principles.
“Let it be clearly understood: violence and intimidation are the weapons of those who fear the will of the people. Such actions stain our democracy and must be condemned by all who believe in freedom,” Abdullahi said.
Political observers note that the exchange of accusations underscores rising tensions in Edo State’s political landscape, particularly amid shifting alliances and defections ahead of future electoral contests.
While investigations into the attack are ongoing, Governor Okpebholo has maintained that preserving peace remains paramount. He reiterated that Edo State would not be allowed to descend into politically motivated unrest and pledged that security agencies would act decisively against any individuals found culpable.
As political activities intensify, stakeholders have called for restraint, dialogue, and strict adherence to democratic norms to ensure that competition for power does not compromise public safety or institutional stability.
For now, the governor’s position remains firm: violence has no place in Edo’s political culture, and any attempt to destabilise the state under partisan pretexts will face the full weight of the law.
