ADC to Approach ECOWAS Court Over Alleged Edo Attack on Party Leaders
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has disclosed plans to institute legal action at the ECOWAS Court of Justice following an alleged attack on its leaders in Benin City, Edo State.
The development comes after an incident on Tuesday involving Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and other party figures. According to statements shared online by Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Obi and several ADC chieftains were attacked at the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun, a senior figure within the party.
Tanko stated that the incident occurred shortly after the delegation returned from the ADC secretariat, where Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Edo State, was formally welcomed into the ADC.
Reacting to the event, Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, described the attack as part of what he termed an escalating pattern of political intimidation against opposition figures across Nigeria. In a statement posted on social media, Abdullahi characterized the development as an act of political aggression and warned that the party would escalate the matter beyond domestic channels.
According to him, the ADC intends to compile documentation of alleged incidents involving opposition members and submit reports to diplomatic missions across West Africa, in addition to filing a case at the ECOWAS Court of Justice. He argued that the regional court offers a platform to address what the party views as violations of political rights and democratic norms.
Abdullahi also raised concerns about statements previously attributed to Monday Okpebholo, alleging that certain remarks could heighten tensions in the state. He claimed that warnings regarding Obi’s safety and allegations linking opposition figures to cult-related activities contributed to a charged political atmosphere.
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“Let it be said plainly: Nigeria is not a private estate. Edo State is not the personal property of any party or any governor,” Abdullahi said in the statement, emphasizing that elected officials have no constitutional authority to threaten or endanger political opponents.
He maintained that ADC members and supporters are entitled to constitutionally guaranteed freedoms, including freedom of speech and assembly, and affirmed that the party would pursue all lawful measures to protect its members nationwide.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has not formally responded to the ECOWAS court threat at the time of reporting. However, reactions from political commentators and party loyalists reflect deep divisions over the interpretation of events.
Some analysts argue that the opposition’s decision to approach a regional court signals a lack of confidence in domestic institutions, while others contend that international legal avenues are legitimate tools in cases involving alleged human rights or democratic violations.
Observers also note that the incident unfolds against the backdrop of heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections. With party realignments underway and high-profile defections reshaping alliances, tensions have risen in several states.
Legal experts say that for a matter to proceed at the ECOWAS Court of Justice, applicants must demonstrate that the case involves violations of rights protected under regional treaties and that domestic remedies are either exhausted or ineffective. The court has previously entertained cases related to electoral disputes and civil liberties within member states.
As investigations into the Edo incident continue, security agencies have yet to release detailed findings regarding those responsible for the alleged attack.
The ADC has urged its supporters to remain calm and continue lawful political activities, insisting that it will not be deterred by what it describes as intimidation tactics.
The unfolding dispute adds another layer to Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, where legal battles, party realignments, and public narratives increasingly shape the contest for influence ahead of the next electoral cycle.