From Ebohon Joan
The Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused individuals allegedly linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of subjecting opposition members and supporters to harassment, intimidation and violence across the state.
The party made the allegation during a press conference held in Benin City on Tuesday, October 28, 2026. The briefing was addressed by the Edo State Director-General of the Obi/Kwankwaso Campaign Organization, Mr. John Yakubu.
Yakubu disclosed that the party had received several complaints over the past six weeks involving alleged arbitrary arrests, threats, disruption of political meetings, attacks on campaign offices and the destruction of campaign materials across Edo North, Central and South senatorial districts.
He maintained that holding public office should not be used as a means of suppressing political opponents, insisting that every citizen has the right to participate freely in the state’s political process.
According to him, no political party should exercise exclusive control over public institutions, public spaces or the political future of Edo State.
Among the incidents the NDC wants security agencies to investigate are the alleged unlawful arrest and detention of its members, the destruction of its billboards, posters and banners, and reported attempts to prevent traditional rulers, youth organizations and market associations from engaging with opposition parties.
The party also cited an incident involving a shared billboard, where the NDC’s portion was allegedly defaced while the section bearing the APC’s message remained untouched.
Another concern raised by the party was the reported denial of access to public facilities for lawful political gatherings.
The NDC further called for an investigation into an alleged shooting incident involving members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during a gathering in Igueben. According to the account presented at the briefing, some individuals were seriously injured.
Yakubu said that although the reported incidents differed in nature, they raised serious concerns about whether citizens could freely exercise their political rights without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
He stressed that the party would not abandon its constitutional rights to freedom of association, expression and peaceful assembly because of the alleged threats.
The party also called on the relevant authorities to investigate a statement attributed to the Edo APC chairman, Mr. Jarrett Tenebe, concerning the alleged use of AK-47 rifles against opposition members said to be obstructing the APC during the 2027 elections.
Yakubu urged the authorities to establish the exact words used, the circumstances surrounding the statement and whether it constituted an offence.
He warned that any substantiated threat involving armed violence should be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
The NDC representative maintained that electoral competition should be based on public support and the strength of political ideas, rather than threats or the use of weapons against opponents.
The party consequently appealed to the police and other security agencies to remain impartial and carry out their constitutional responsibilities without favouring any political organization.
It also urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to publicly reaffirm the right of all political parties to organize and conduct their activities peacefully within Edo State.
Yakubu added that allegations involving public officials should be subjected to proper investigation rather than ignored.
He urged party members to remain peaceful and disciplined, document any incidents of intimidation and report threats to the appropriate authorities, assuring them that the NDC would explore lawful means of seeking justice and protecting its members.
Also speaking at the briefing, the South-South spokesman of the party’s campaign organization, Prof. Isaiah Osifo, accused the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of failing to create an atmosphere conducive to peaceful opposition activities.
Osifo argued that the conduct of a government towards political opponents was an important measure of its commitment to democratic principles.
He recalled that Okpebholo had contested for the Senate representing Edo Central when a different political party controlled the state, claiming that his campaign was not subjected to attacks on supporters, campaign materials or offices.
Osifo said the contrast between that period and the current political climate raised questions about the commitment of the present administration to protecting the rights of opposition parties.
He argued that a politician who had previously benefited from a peaceful campaign environment should ensure that others enjoyed the same freedom after assuming public office.
According to him, the alleged difficulties now facing opposition parties reflected negatively on the state government’s commitment to political tolerance.
The campaign organization’s spokesman also referenced the period when former Edo State governor and current Senator Adams Oshiomhole contested for the governorship as an opposition candidate.
Osifo claimed that Oshiomhole was able to campaign freely at the time, recalling that he moved around Benin City with groups of motorcycle riders without facing attacks on his campaign materials or office.
He called on the senator to publicly condemn any acts of political violence and intimidation in the state.
Osifo argued that, given Oshiomhole’s experience as a former opposition candidate, former national chairman of the APC and current senator, he had a responsibility to speak out in defence of democratic participation.
He further maintained that remaining silent in the face of the allegations could raise questions about the senator’s commitment to political freedom and his moral standing as a public figure.
Efforts to obtain a reaction from the APC’s Edo State Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, were unsuccessful as repeated calls to his mobile telephone did not connect before the report was filed.
The allegations made by the NDC and the campaign organization’s representatives remain subject to independent verification. A response from the APC or the individuals mentioned would provide an opportunity for their positions on the claims to be reflected in the report.
