Africa-Press – Nigeria. The South-South zone of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has condemned the attack on its Edo State secretariat by hoodlums suspected to be political thugs.
At about 2:55 pm shortly after the defection of Barrister Olumide Akpata and others to the party, hoodlums invaded the premises.
Some of the property destroyed and vandalised include vehicles, plastic chairs, canopy, among others.
The occasion was attended by Mr Peter Obi, the former, Anambra State Governor and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, the former governor of Edo, Prof Oserhiemen Osunbor, also the former governor of Edo State, among other dignitaries.
While condemning the attack, the South-South zone of the party said the incident marked the second time the ugly incident was launched on the secretariat.
A statement signed by Ms Mabel Oboh, ADC South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary and made available to newsmen in Benin city alleged that preliminary reports suggest the involvement of members of a political party in the dastardly act.
“What happened to our Edo State secretariat is not just an attack on a party but an attack on democracy itself. Politics must never be a theatre of violence, intimidation, or harassment. Political participation must be safe, organised, and lawful.
“ADC emphasises that preparedness is a responsibility, not an act of aggression. The party does not endorse violence, but it will not tolerate intimidation. The safety of our members remains paramount, and security measures will stay strict at all levels, even during small meetings.
“Notably, the political violence happening in Edo State is of great concern and a huge disgrace to Edo State leadership
“Our movement is peaceful. Our focus is strategic. Our operations are structured. No one should be allowed to use violence to shine politically at the expense of others.
“Democracy is strengthened when political actors conduct themselves lawfully, responsibly, and with respect for citizens’ rights and safety, for serious minds only.
“Our party, ADC will continue to protect its members, defend democratic principles, and participate in politics with dignity and discipline,” she said.
Oboh, however, said that the National Leader of the party in the state, Chief John Odigie Oyegun has invited the authorities of security agencies, particularly the police to the scene of the incident.
She also added that the party has called on law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities to investigate the attack swiftly and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
She explained that the incident happened shortly after Olumide Akpata defected to the party at its secretariat located at Ogbelaka Street, Benin City.
The ADC, South-South zonal publicity secretary, said the hoodlums stormed the premises, firing shots and injuring several individuals.
“Fortunately, key dignitaries, including Peter Obi, Odigie Oyegun, ADC National Chief Whip Festus Igbinoba, National Legal Adviser Oserheimen Osunbor, and ADC South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary Mabel Oboh, had just left the venue before the attack”, she added.
Meanwhile, the Edo State chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Jarret Tenebe has attributed the attack on the ADC secretariat to an internal crisis within the party.
“What happened was as a result of factions within the Edo ADC.
”Did the attackers wear an APC uniform? What is happening in ADC is a factional fight. You saw Owie fighting Oyegun. They should not drag us into their fight”, he stated.
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