By Simeon OSAJIE
The Edo State chapters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have jointly accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating a wave of political intimidation, violence and destruction of opposition properties and campaign materials across the state.
The two opposition parties made the allegations on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, during a joint press conference in Benin, the state capital where they called on the APC leadership and security agencies to urgently address what they described as a increasing threat to democratic participation in the State.
Speaking at the event, Edo State Chairman of NDC, Engr. David Olukoga, and his ADC counterpart, Tony Alile, said opposition members, candidates and supporters had suffered repeated attacks, harassment, threats and vandalism since the commencement of political activities.
Olukoga cited the alleged vandalisation of the NDC secretariat at Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, the destruction of campaign billboards belonging to the party’s candidates, Hon. Bawa Mohammed and Hon. Frank Uyi Omosigho, as well as attacks on party members and structures in different parts of the state.
He also alleged that commercial transport operators and business owners had been threatened with sanctions for allowing opposition parties to display campaign materials or hold political gatherings.
Similarly, Alile recounted alleged attacks on ADC leaders, including an incident involving Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and former presidential candidate, Dr. Peter Obi, during which vehicles and other properties were reportedly damaged.
He also raised concerns over alleged attacks on the residence of Professor Oserieme Osunbor, the destruction of ADC campaign materials and the reported shooting of a young man, Jerry Oliha, during an attack on ADC chieftain, Kenneth Imansuangbon at Igueben on October 6, 2026.
The ADC chairman further condemned alleged threats attributed to APC state chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, including remarks involving the use of AK-47 rifles against those who refuse to support the ruling party in the 2027 general election.
Both opposition leaders described the alleged incidents as unacceptable and warned against turning Edo State into a theatre of political violence ahead of the 2027 elections.
They, however, stressed that their parties remained committed to peaceful political engagement and would not resort to self-help, noting that complaints had already been lodged with the Commissioner of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The parties jointly demanded an immediate end to political violence and intimidation, responsible political rhetoric, impartial investigations and prosecution of those found culpable, neutrality on the part of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and a level playing field for all political parties.
They also appealed to security agencies to protect opposition members and guarantee the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of association, political participation and peaceful assembly.
The opposition leaders urged their members to remain peaceful, shun provocation and concentrate on mobilising support for their candidates through lawful democratic means.
They maintained that political power should not be used to suppress opposition voices, insisting that the people of Edo State must be allowed to freely choose their leaders through the ballot rather than intimidation or violence.