The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have jointly accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of creating an atmosphere of fear in Edo through alleged political intimidation, violence, and attacks on opposition parties. At a joint news conference in Benin on Tuesday, the state chairmen of NDC and ADC, David Olukoga and Tony Alile, respectively, called for an immediate end to the alleged incidents. They stated that the situation was threatening democratic participation and the right of political parties to operate freely in the state.
According to Mr. Olukoga, opposition parties in Edo have faced increasing intimidation and harassment over the past three weeks, with some of their property allegedly destroyed. He listed several incidents, including the vandalism of the NDC’s secretariat in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, and the destruction of campaign materials belonging to the party’s candidate for Etsako Federal Constituency, Bawa Mohammed. Mr. Olukoga also cited an alleged attack on the campaign office of the party’s candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency, Frank Uyi Omosogo.
Mr. Olukoga further alleged that party infrastructure was destroyed in Esan North-East on October 24, while members were attacked during a peaceful gathering in Illeh, Edo Central Senatorial District, on October 4. He also raised concerns over the alleged arrest of a party ward leader, who he said was transferred to the state police command. Additionally, Mr. Olukoga accused some local government chairmen of allegedly using their positions to intimidate commercial transport operators and business owners associating with opposition parties.
Similarly, Mr. Alile accused the APC leadership in Edo of creating an atmosphere of political hostility through alleged threats, attacks on opposition leaders, and destruction of party infrastructure. He recalled that ADC had experienced several incidents, including an alleged attempt to set its secretariat on fire in February. Mr. Alile also cited an alleged attack on the residence of a party leader, where prominent members, including former governor of Edo, Oserhiemen Osunbor, had gathered.
The ADC chairman further alleged that sporadic gunshots were fired, damaging vehicles parked outside the premises and the entrance gate. He also claimed that a young man sustained gunshot injuries during an attack on the convoy of an ADC chieftain at Igwebe on October 6. Mr. Alile condemned the reported attack on the party’s content creator and entertainer, Osagie Idiedia, known as MC Porkupyne, around Wesley Hotel, Benin, on October 24.
Both parties called on the police and the State Security Service (SSS) to investigate the reported incidents, identify those responsible, and prosecute anyone found culpable. They also demanded an immediate end to alleged violence and intimidation, responsible political rhetoric from party leaders, neutrality by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and a level playing field for all political parties.
When contacted, the state APC publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadia, said he needed first-hand information about the joint news conference before responding to the allegations. The parties urged security agencies to protect the constitutional rights of opposition members, including freedom of association, assembly, and political participation. They, however, urged their members to remain peaceful, avoid provocations, and resist any temptation to retaliate.
Key points
- - The ADC and NDC have accused the APC of creating an atmosphere of fear in Edo through alleged political intimidation, violence, and attacks on opposition parties. - The opposition parties have called on the police and SSS to investigate the reported incidents and prosecute those responsible. - The parties have demanded an immediate end to alleged violence and intimidation, and a level playing field for all political parties.
