The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned what it described as a gun attack and assassination attempt in Edo State targeting former governor John Oyegun, party leader Peter Obi, and Olumide Akpata, declaring that the ruling party is proving to be a terrorist organisation.
In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the incident in Edo reflects a troubling pattern of political intimidation against the opposition. The party also accused Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo of making inflammatory claims and threats that have heightened tensions and could lead to further breakdown of law and order.
The full statement read:
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemns, in the strongest possible terms, yesterday’s disturbing gun attack and assassination attempt in Edo State targeting Chief John Oyegun, former Governor of Edo State and Chairman of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee; Mr. Peter Obi, a national leader of our party; and Mr. Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party candidate for Edo State who recently joined the ADC.
This was not an isolated incident. It bears the unmistakable marks of a dangerous and escalating pattern of political intimidation and terror against our party across the country. The resort to gunfire against lawful political actors represents an act of terrorism against the opposition, which has no place in a constitutional democracy.
We are particularly alarmed by the pattern of inflammatory rhetoric and threats that have preceded these events, including the outrageous claim by the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who had earlier issued a threat that he would not guarantee the safety of Mr. Peter Obi should he visit Edo State. The Governor has since gone ahead to make further ridiculous and irresponsible claim that the ADC is sponsoring cultism in Edo State, and threatened to start demolishing properties of the opposition in the State.
Let it be said plainly: Nigeria is not a private estate. Edo State is not the personal property of any party or any governor. No elected official has the constitutional authority to threaten, harass, or endanger law-abiding political actors for exercising their democratic rights. Our members and supporters across Edo State and Nigeria have the constitutional right to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and right to lawful self-defence.
The Federal Government and the Edo State Government are free to continue on their present course. But let there be no misunderstanding: if any harm comes to our leaders, members, or supporters as a result of this escalating climate of official hostility, intimidation, or incitement, the responsibility for whatever consequences follow will rest squarely with those who chose the path of provocation over the path of peace.
We are compiling all cases of acts of terrorism by the ruling APC against our party. We shall soon be making our reports available to all diplomatic missions as well as the ECOWAS Court of Human Rights.
Let no one be left in doubt: Regardless of the level of intimidation, ADC will not bow to terror and will take all lawful means to protect its members and facilities across the country. We urge all our members to remain vigilant and to go about their lawful activities without fear.
