The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vehemently condemned what it described as a gun attack and assassination attempt in Edo State targeting former governor John Oyegun, party leader Peter Obi, and Olumide Akpata. The party declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is demonstrating characteristics of a terrorist organisation through these violent acts.
In a strongly worded statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC characterized the attack as part of an alarming and escalating pattern of political intimidation against opposition figures nationwide. The party also criticized Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for making inflammatory statements and threats that have further heightened tensions, risking the breakdown of peace and law and order in the state.
Full Statement:
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemns, in the strongest possible terms, yesterday’s disturbing gun attack and assassination attempt in Edo State targeting Chief John Oyegun, former Governor of Edo State and Chairman of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee; Mr. Peter Obi, a national leader of our party; and Mr. Olumide Akpata, who recently joined the ADC after serving as the Labour Party candidate for Edo State.
This was not an isolated incident. It bears the unmistakable marks of a dangerous and escalating pattern of political intimidation and terror against our party across the country. The resort to gunfire against lawful political actors constitutes an act of terrorism aimed at the opposition — an act that has no place in Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
We are particularly alarmed by the sequence of inflammatory rhetoric and threats preceding these events. Of special concern is Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who had earlier issued a threat that he could not guarantee the safety of Mr. Peter Obi should he visit Edo State. The Governor has since compounded the situation by making baseless and irresponsible claims alleging that the ADC is sponsoring cultism within Edo State and has threatened to begin demolishing opposition properties.
Let it be stated clearly: Nigeria is not a private estate. Edo State is not the personal property of any political party or governor. No elected official has the constitutional authority to threaten, harass, or endanger law-abiding political actors for exercising their democratic rights. Our members and supporters across Edo State—and Nigeria—enjoy fundamental rights to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and lawful self-defence.
The Federal Government and the Edo State Government are at liberty to continue on their present path. However, let no one be under any illusion: if any harm comes to our leaders, members, or supporters amid this escalating official hostility, intimidation, or incitement, the full responsibility for the consequences will rest squarely on those who have chosen provocation over peace.
We are presently compiling documented cases of terrorism and politically motivated attacks by the ruling APC against the ADC. We will soon submit comprehensive reports to diplomatic missions and the ECOWAS Court of Human Rights for appropriate action.
Let no person be in doubt: regardless of the level of intimidation, ADC will never bow to terror. We will undertake all lawful measures to protect our members and party assets across the country. We call on all our members to remain vigilant and continue to pursue their lawful activities without fear.
