Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has reacted to the attack on members of the African Democratic Congress in Benin City, condemning the violence but suggesting it was likely the result of disagreements within the party rather than an assault orchestrated by external political forces.
The governor issued a personal statement on Tuesday evening, February 24, expressing concern over the incident while cautioning the ADC against rushing to blame outside actors.
Okpebholo said his administration would not tolerate the importation of violence into a state he described as one of the most peaceful in the country.
“As peace-loving citizens, we categorically condemn and will not tolerate the importation of thugs and miscreants from outside the state under the guise of political activity,” he said.
The governor acknowledged that the motives behind the attack were still unclear but offered his own assessment of the situation.
“While the precise motive behind this attack remains unclear, I strongly believe its primary aim is to discredit Edo State and undermine its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful regions,” he said.
He urged ADC leaders to examine their own internal dynamics before casting blame elsewhere, maintaining that the conflict appeared to be rooted in disputes within the party.
Okpebholo stressed that his government welcomed legitimate political opposition and would not be rattled by attempts to create instability.
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“This is the foundation of our reputation, and we are committed to maintaining it,” he said.
The governor warned that any effort to use political activities as cover for violence would be met with a firm response.
He called on security agencies to stay alert and monitor political gatherings closely to prevent further incidents.
Meanwhile he appealed to Edo residents to remain calm and not allow the episode to tarnish the state’s reputation for peaceful coexistence.
“Edo remains a peaceful state, and that legacy must be preserved,” he said.
The statement was issued in response to an incident earlier on Tuesday in which the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, former APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and senior ADC figures were allegedly confronted by armed individuals during political activities in Benin City.
Obi’s camp described the episode as a survived assassination attempt, releasing photos and videos showing damaged vehicles and bullet marks at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence.
The ADC had gathered in the city for the formal declaration of lawyer Olumide Akpata as a member of the party.