The campaign office of Hon. Frank Uyi Omosigho, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Oredo federal constituency in the 2027 general election, was reportedly attacked by suspected political thugs in Benin City. The incident occurred at about 10 p.m. on Tuesday, with campaign posters, banners, and other materials allegedly destroyed. The office, located at Stadium Road, showed visible signs of destruction, with several campaign materials pulled down and damaged.
According to Omosigho, community members alerted him to the attack, prompting him to visit the office at about 11 p.m. He met youths at the premises who complained that unknown persons had arrived at the office and destroyed the campaign materials. Omosigho, who represents Oredo East constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, appealed to youths not to allow politicians to use them to perpetrate violence or other illegal acts.
Omosigho stated that the campaign materials were meant to introduce candidates and political parties to the electorate, and that voters had the right to make their choices independently. He reported the incident to the police at Aideyan Police Station and informed the state Commissioner of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS). The lawmaker urged his supporters and NDC members to remain calm and continue campaigning peacefully.
The incident is not an isolated one, as Omosigho claimed that some of his campaign materials had been pulled down in different locations, including Stadium Road, Oguola, Oliha, Five Junction, and Ekenwan Road. The motive behind the attack is not yet clear, but Omosigho's appeal to Nigerians, particularly youths, not to allow themselves to be used to perpetrate electoral violence is significant.
Omosigho urged youths to vote for candidates based on their programmes and capacity to represent the people. He emphasized that anyone caught violating the law would face the consequences. The lawmaker's office has been a hub of activity, with supporters and party members rallying around him in the wake of the attack.
The Edo State Police Command has not officially commented on the incident, as the Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, could not be reached for comment. However, the fact that the incident has been reported to the police and other security agencies suggests that efforts are being made to investigate the attack and bring perpetrators to justice.
The attack on the NDC campaign office has raised concerns about the level of violence and intimidation in the run-up to the 2027 general election. Omosigho's call for peaceful campaigning and his emphasis on the importance of voters making independent choices are seen as efforts to promote a peaceful and credible electoral process.
Key points
- The campaign office of Hon. Frank Uyi Omosigho was attacked by suspected political thugs in Benin City.
- The incident has been reported to the police and other security agencies.
- Omosigho has urged youths not to allow themselves to be used to perpetrate electoral violence.
