Following the assault on its Edo State secretariat by individuals believed to be political thugs, the South-South zone of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has denounced the incident.
Criminals broke into the building at approximately 2:55 p.m., not long after Barrister Olumide Akpata and others defected to the party, according to the Gistcon. A variety of items, including cars, plastic chairs, and a canopy, were damaged or stolen.
Mr. Peter Obi, the current presidential candidate of the Labour Party for 2023, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, a former governor of Edo State, Prof. Oserhiemen Osunbor, a former governor of Edo State, and other dignitaries were present at the event.
In a statement denouncing the attack, the South-South zone of the party noted that this was the second instance of such a despicable attack on the secretariat.
According to a statement released to reporters in Benin City by Mabel Oboh, the ADC’s South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, initial investigations point to the participation of party members in the heinous crime.
The destruction of our Edo State secretariat was an assault on democracy, not merely on a political party. The use of physical force, threats, or harassment in political campaigns is completely unacceptable. Taking part in politics needs to be done in a safe, organised, and legal way.
“ADC stresses that being ready is a duty, not a hostile act. While the party does not support physical force, it will not stand for threats or intimidation. Even at smaller gatherings, the safety of our members will be our top priority, so we will maintain stringent security measures.
It is deeply concerning and a tremendous embarrassment for the leadership of Edo State that political violence is currently taking place in the state.
“We are not a violent group. Strategising is where we stand. We have organised our operations. Using violence as a political weapon is unacceptable and should not be tolerated.
Only when political actors engage in a legitimate, responsible, and respectful manner toward the rights and safety of citizens can democracy be strengthened.
In her statement, she assured that the ADC will remain steadfast in its commitment to its members’ safety, to the defence of democratic principles, and to responsible political participation.
But according to Oboh, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, the party’s national leader in the state, has summoned the heads of security services, including the police, to the site of the catastrophe.
According to her, the party has also demanded an immediate investigation into the incident and the punishment of those guilty.
According to her, the incident took place inside the party secretariat on Ogbelaka Street in Benin City, not long after Olumide Akpata betrayed the group.
Robbers barged into the building, according to the ADC, South-South zonal press secretary, and opened fire, wounding multiple people.
“Thankfully, Mabel Oboh, ADC South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, National Legal Adviser Oserheimen Osunbor, Odigie Oyegun, Peter Obi, and Festus Igbinoba had just departed the location prior to the attack,” she continued.
At the same time, Jarret Tenebe, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in Edo State, has said that an internal party issue is to blame for the assault on the ADC secretariat.
Did the assailants wear APC uniforms? “What happened was due to factions within the Edo ADC.” A schism has broken out inside ADC. It was you who witnessed the battle between Owie and Oyegun. “They shouldn’t include us in their conflict,” he said.