By Simeon OSAJIE
A prominent Labour Party (LP) chieftain and National Coordinator of Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC) Dr. Kingsley Oghogho Okundaye has strongly condemned the violent attack on the residence of a former governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie Oyegun where leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were holding a crucial meeting on Tuesday 24th February 2026.
The incident which occurred shortly after Barrister Olumide Akpata’s defection to the ADC saw gunmen allegedly storming the premises of the former Governor and a leader of the ADC firing shots and injuring several individuals and destroying vehicles.
The condemnation was contained in a statement signed by Dr. Kingsley Oghogho Okundaye, a prominent LP chieftain and National Coordinator of LPPMC) and made available to Journalists in Benin, the state capital.
According to Okundaye “Fortunately, key dignitaries, including Mr. Peter Obi, Chief Odigie Oyegun, ADC National Chief Whip Festus Igbinoba, National Legal Adviser – Oserheimen Osunbor, and ADC South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary Mabel Oboh, were all at the venue before the attack.”
He however attributed the mindless attack by hoodlums on the visitation of the 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, noting that this marks the second time the ADC Edo State has been targeted in violent attacks.
Dr. Okundaye alleged that preliminary reports suggest involvement of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), although investigation is ongoing.
“What happened to Edo State secretariat of ADC is not just an attack on a party — it is an attack on democracy itself.
“Politics must never be a theatre of violence, intimidation, or harassment. Political participation must be safe, organised, and lawful”, Hhe added.
Going further, the LP chieftain added, “preparedness is a responsibility, not an act of aggression. The party does not endorse violence, but it will not tolerate intimidation.
“The safety of all citizens remains paramount, and security measures must stay strict at all levels, in all opposition parties even during small meetings.
“LPPMC believes in a peaceful political movement, Our focus is strategic. Our operations are structured. No one should be allowed to use violence to shine politically at the expense of others,”
He called on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu and other security agencies to wade into the heinous crime and ensure that justice is served.
However, the violent attack started at the secetariat of ADC before it extended to the residence of the national leader of the party, Chief John-Odigie Oyegun as suspected thugs wreak havoc on cars packed in his compound and shot sporadically.