The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have called on security agencies to investigate alleged attacks on opposition members and party facilities in Edo State, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of fostering political intimidation.
The two opposition parties raised the allegations during a joint press conference in Benin on Tuesday, addressed by their state chairmen, Tony Alile of the ADC and David Olukoga of the NDC.
They alleged that repeated incidents of violence, destruction of campaign materials and harassment of supporters were threatening political participation in the state.
Olukoga claimed that NDC members had experienced increasing intimidation over the preceding three weeks, prompting the parties to jointly demand intervention.
He alleged that the party’s secretariat in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area had been vandalised, while campaign materials belonging to its Etsako Federal Constituency candidate, Bawa Mohammed, were destroyed across three local government areas on September 29.
The NDC chairman also cited an alleged September 30 attack on the campaign office of the party’s Oredo Federal Constituency candidate, Frank Uyi Omosogo.
According to him, other incidents included the destruction of party infrastructure in Esan North-East on October 24 and an attack on members attending a gathering in Illeh on October 4.
Olukoga further alleged that some local government officials were intimidating transport operators and business owners associated with opposition parties.
Despite the reported incidents, he insisted that the NDC would continue its political activities through lawful means.
“We are not afraid to return or to carry out any other activity, but we are disciplined parties and must follow due process,” he said.
Similarly, Alile accused the APC leadership of encouraging a hostile political environment.
He recalled an alleged attempt to burn the ADC secretariat in February, followed by an attack on February 24 during which suspected thugs reportedly assaulted party members and destroyed equipment.
Alile also alleged that gunshots were fired at a residence where senior party figures had gathered, damaging vehicles and the entrance gate.
He cited further reported attacks involving an ADC chieftain’s convoy on October 6 and party entertainer Osagie Idiedia, popularly known as MC Porkupyne, on October 24.
According to Alile, both incidents resulted in injuries.
The opposition leaders urged the police and Department of State Services to investigate the allegations and prosecute anyone found responsible.
They also demanded political neutrality from the Independent National Electoral Commission and urged supporters to avoid retaliation.
Reacting, Edo APC Publicity Secretary Peter Uwadia declined immediate comment, saying he needed details of the allegations before responding.
“I need to have first-hand information of what they discussed at that meeting so that I can react appropriately,” he said.
Uwadia added that the APC would examine the issues raised before issuing a formal response.
Ezeana Emmanuel
