Suspected political thugs have attacked the campaign office of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Hon. Frank Uyi Omosigho, in Benin. The incident occurred at about 10 p.m. on Tuesday. A visit to the campaign office located along Stadium Road in Benin revealed visible signs of destruction, with several campaign materials pulled down and damaged.
Hon. Omosigho, who represents Oredo East Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, reported that 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 stated that his appeal to youths is not to allow politicians to use them to perpetrate violence or other illegal acts.
The lawmaker disclosed that the incident had been reported to the police at Aideyan Police Station, and the State Commissioner of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) had also been informed. He urged his supporters and NDC members to remain calm and continue campaigning peacefully, saying the incident would not deter the party. Omosigho further appealed to Nigerians, particularly youths, not to allow themselves to be used to perpetrate electoral violence.
Omosigho alleged the destruction of his campaign posters and billboards in parts of Oredo ahead of the 2027 general election. He 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 destruction of the campaign materials is not yet known.
The Nigerian Tribune could not reach the Public Relations Officer of Edo State Police Commander, ASP. Eno Ikoedem, at the time of filing this report. The police have not officially commented on the incident. However, Omosigho remains determined to continue his campaign peacefully.
The attack on the NDC campaign office has raised concerns about the level of violence in the lead-up to the 2027 general election. Omosigho's call to youths to refrain from engaging in electoral violence is seen as a positive step towards ensuring a peaceful election process. The incident has been widely reported, and the relevant authorities are expected to investigate the matter.
The 2027 general election is expected to be a major event in Nigeria's democratic calendar. With the campaign season in full swing, incidents of violence and intimidation have been reported in various parts of the country. The NDC and other political parties have been urged to ensure that their campaigns are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.
Key points
- Suspected thugs attacked the NDC campaign office in Benin, destroying campaign materials.
- The incident has been reported to the police, and the authorities have been urged to investigate the matter.
- The lawmaker has urged his supporters to remain calm and continue campaigning peacefully.
