Electioneering for the 2027 general elections in Edo State has taken a concerning turn as violence erupted on October 6. Suspected political thugs reportedly opened fire on a convoy of African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders in Igueben Local Council Area. The attack occurred during the party's political engagements in the area, with party leaders, including Herberta Okonofua, the ADC's Edo Central Senatorial candidate, targeted.
A party supporter, Jerry Oliha, sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and was rushed to the Irrua Specialist Hospital. The incident has sparked fresh concerns over growing political tension in Edo State. This development comes barely a week after All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, threatened to deploy AK-47s against perceived opponents in the party's drive to deliver 2.5 million votes to President Bola Tinubu.
The ADC has alleged that the attackers were led by the Igueben Local Council Chairman, Endurance Azemegbe. According to the party's State Publicity Secretary, Chris Ojeikere, this was the third attack on the entourage within the local council. Ojeikere recalled earlier alleged shootings in Wards 4 and 5, suggesting a pattern of violence against opposition members and facilities in the state.
Similar incidents have been reported in Etsako East, Owan West, and Owan East. The ADC has promised to release a comprehensive report on the violence shortly. The party has informed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Igueben Local Council Area, who is involved in the incident.
When contacted, Endurance Azemegbe denied any involvement in the alleged attack, stating he was not in Igueben at the time of the incident. The Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, could not immediately confirm the incident but promised that the command would investigate once it was formally reported.
The rising political tension and violence in Edo State have raised concerns about the security situation ahead of the 2027 general elections. The ADC has accused the APC of perpetrating violence against opposition members. This incident may escalate the already tense political atmosphere in the state.
The Edo State Police Command is expected to investigate the incident and provide an update on the situation. The attack on ADC leaders and the injury to a party supporter have highlighted the need for increased security measures to ensure a peaceful electoral process in the state.
Key points
- - The African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders were attacked by suspected political thugs in Igueben Local Council Area of Edo State. - A party supporter, Jerry Oliha, was injured in the attack and is being treated at the Irrua Specialist Hospital. - The incident has raised concerns about the growing political tension and violence in Edo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
