By Muhammad Mamman
Political alarm bells rang in Edo State on Thursday after suspected hoodlums tried to set fire to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) state secretariat in Benin City, authorities and party officials said. 
The attempted attack occurred late on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the ADC Secretariat on Ogbelaka Street, according to a statement released by the party’s Edo State chapter. Witnesses told local media that a group of individuals, described as masked and operating from a white van, arrived at the premises and attempted to ignite the building before being scared off by alert passersby who raised the alarm. The suspects subsequently fled the scene. 
No casualties were immediately reported, but the incident has stoked fears over political violence ahead of future elections in the oil-rich South-South state. In a strongly worded statement, Osaze Osagiede, the ADC Edo State Publicity Secretary, condemned the act as “a direct assault on democracy and the right of political parties to operate freely without fear of intimidation.” 
ADC state chairman Kennedy Odion echoed the sentiment, warning that “political violence and desperation have no place in a democratic society,” while reaffirming his party’s resolve to pursue peaceful democratic engagement. 
Adding to the chorus of condemnation, John Odigie-Oyegun, a senior figure in the party and former national chairman of a major political party, called the attack “deeply troubling and unacceptable,” urging law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible to deter further threats. 
ADC leaders also said the incident has been formally reported to police and other security agencies, with officials expected to investigate fully. The party has expressed confidence that the investigation will be conducted in a “transparent and professional” manner. 
The attempted arson comes at a time of growing political competition in Edo State, where parties have increasingly accused one another of acts aimed at undermining democratic processes. Observers warn that incidents such as this risk eroding public confidence in peaceful political participation if not thoroughly addressed by the authorities. 
