Okpebholo Condemns Attack on ADC Members, Describes Incident as Escalated Internal Dispute
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has strongly condemned the recent assault on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), characterizing the episode as an internal party dispute that escalated beyond acceptable limits.
In a personal statement released Tuesday evening, the governor expressed sympathy for the affected members of the opposition party and reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state.
Okpebholo described the development as unfortunate, noting that certain individuals allegedly took advantage of Edo State’s relatively peaceful atmosphere to foment unrest under the guise of political activity.
“As peace-loving citizens, we categorically condemn and will not tolerate the importation of thugs and miscreants from outside the state under the guise of political activity,” the governor stated.
Commitment to Security
The governor affirmed his role as the state’s Chief Security Officer, emphasizing that his administration would not permit Edo State to become a battleground for political rivalry.
“While the precise motive behind this attack remains unclear, I strongly believe its primary aim is to discredit Edo State and undermine its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful regions,” he said.
Okpebholo maintained that political competition should center on performance, public engagement, and service delivery rather than violence or intimidation. He stressed that no form of political blackmail would erode the support of Edo residents for their government.
“This is the foundation of our reputation, and we are committed to maintaining it,” he added.
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The governor also underscored that his party remains open to constructive opposition and would not be intimidated by what he described as blackmail or self-inflicted incidents aimed at generating public sympathy.
Internal Party Dispute Allegation
While condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with ADC members affected by the incident, Okpebholo advised the opposition party to refrain from making external accusations. He suggested that available information points to internal disagreements within the ADC as the root cause of the clash.
According to him, political parties have a responsibility to address internal disputes before organizing public events that could escalate tensions.
“Any attempt to incite violence under the pretext of political activity would be firmly addressed,” he warned.
The governor’s remarks come amid heightened political rhetoric following reports that prominent opposition figures were present at the event where the disruption occurred. Some members of the ADC have rejected the governor’s assertion of an internal crisis, alleging instead that external forces may have been involved.
Call for Calm
Okpebholo urged residents of Edo State to remain calm and avoid actions capable of tarnishing the state’s image. He reiterated that preserving peace remains a top priority for his administration.
“Edo remains a peaceful state, and that legacy must be preserved,” he said.
The governor further called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to increase surveillance of political gatherings and ensure that perpetrators of violence are identified and brought to justice.
Public Reactions
The incident has generated mixed reactions among members of the public. While some observers welcomed the governor’s swift condemnation of the attack, others questioned his characterization of the incident as purely an internal party matter.
Political analysts note that tensions often intensify in the lead-up to electoral cycles, especially when opposition parties seek to reorganize or expand their base. Such periods can witness heightened competition and accusations among rival groups.
As investigations continue, stakeholders have emphasized the importance of ensuring that political engagement in Edo State remains peaceful and issue-based.
For now, the state government maintains that it will not allow any individual or group to destabilize Edo under the cover of partisan activity, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property.