IPAC Condemns Edo Incident Involving Obi, Odigie-Oyegun, ADC Leaders as Tensions Rise
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has publicly condemned what it described as a violent and coordinated att@ck on opposition political figures during activities linked to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, IPAC said the incident involved former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former All Progressives Congress national chairman and ex–Edo State governor John Odigie-Oyegun, and other ADC leaders following a political event welcoming Olumide Akpata into the party.
IPAC’s National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Martins, described the reported incident as a “dangerous escalation of political intolerance,” citing claims that the ADC secretariat was vandalised and that the residence of Odigie-Oyegun was targeted by suspected thugs.
According to IPAC, images and videos circulating online showed damaged vehicles and property, including SUVs with shattered windshields and visible damage to the gate of Odigie-Oyegun’s residence. The council characterised the incident as criminal conduct that threatens Nigeria’s democratic process, warning against the use of intimidation and force in political competition.
“Political contestation must never descend into violence,” Martins said, adding that democracy depends on ideas and lawful engagement rather than coercion or fear.
IPAC formally called on President Bola Tinubu to condemn the incident and ensure that relevant federal security agencies investigate the matter thoroughly. The council also urged Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to guarantee accountability, regardless of political affiliation.
The allegations were first raised publicly by Dr Yunusa Tanko, former campaign spokesperson to Obi and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, who said the incidents occurred in Benin City during ADC-related political activities.
However, the Edo State Government swiftly rejected the claims. In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, the government described the allegations as false and malicious, insisting that the ADC’s narrative misrepresented what occurred. The state government denied any involvement of government officials in any att@ck on Obi or his associates.
The conflicting accounts have heightened political tension in Edo State, already under strain amid post-election disputes and growing concerns about the safety of political actors across party lines.
As of the time of reporting, no arrests, independent security reports, or official investigative findings have been made public. Authorities have not confirmed the identities of those responsible for the alleged violence, nor has forensic or police evidence been formally presented.
The incident has renewed national debate over political tolerance, security neutrality, and the protection of opposition figures as Nigeria approaches another sensitive phase in its electoral cycle
