Two opposition parties in Edo State have issued a firm warning against political violence and intimidation as the 2027 general elections draw closer, vowing that their members and supporters will no longer be passive targets of attacks.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) made their position known on Tuesday at a joint press conference held in Benin City, the state capital.
Opposition Parties Reject Atmosphere of Fear
Speaking at the event, Dan Asekhame, a leader of the ADC and former chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, said the opposition would no longer stand idle while an atmosphere of fear and intimidation was being created across the state.
He stated that the parties would not tolerate persistent attacks, victimisation and attempts to frustrate their political activities and electoral ambitions ahead of the elections.
Asekhame struck a defiant note about election day, saying that if opponents come with their voter cards, the opposition will come with theirs. He added that if they come with AK-47 guns, the opposition will come with AK-49s.
Allegations of Attacks and Vandalism
The Edo State Chairman of the NDC, David Olukoga, and his ADC counterpart, Tony Alile, alleged that opposition members, candidates and supporters had suffered repeated attacks, harassment, threats and vandalism since political activities began.
Olukoga cited the alleged vandalisation of the NDC secretariat in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area and the destruction of campaign billboards belonging to the party’s candidates, Bawa Qawleeph and Frank Omosigho. He also referenced attacks on party members and structures in different parts of the state.
He explained that the escalating provocations prompted a joint delegation drawn from the leadership structures of both parties to hold the press conference. According to him, the goal was to draw national and international attention to what he described as the ongoing strangulation of the opposition, a coordinated rampage, ruthless vandalism and the deliberate destruction of candidates’ campaign materials across the state.
Olukoga warned that the political arena of Edo State must not be deliberately set ablaze to enable the ruling party to reap votes amid orchestrated chaos.
ADC Recounts Attacks on Leaders
In a similar vein, Alile recounted alleged attacks on ADC leaders, including an incident involving John Odigie-Oyegun and former presidential candidate Peter Obi, during which vehicles and other properties were reportedly damaged.
He also raised concerns over alleged attacks on the residence of Prof. Oserieme Osunbor and the destruction of ADC campaign materials. He further referenced the reported shooting of a young man, Jerry Oliha, during an attack on ADC chieftain Kenneth Imansuangbon at Igueben on October 6, 2026.
Commitment to Peaceful Engagement
Despite the allegations, both parties stressed that they remain committed to peaceful political engagement and would not resort to self-help. They noted that complaints had already been lodged with the Commissioner of Police and the Department of State Services.
The parties jointly demanded an immediate end to political violence and intimidation, responsible political rhetoric, impartial investigations and the prosecution of those found culpable. They also called for neutrality on the part of the Independent National Electoral Commission and a level playing field for all political parties.
The joint press conference underscores growing concerns over the conduct of political actors in Edo State as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties insisting that a peaceful and fair contest is essential to credible polls.
