Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria — Political tensions heightened on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, after the African Democratic Congress alleged an attack on its members, while the Edo State Government dismissed the claims and accused the party of misrepresenting events.
Ken Imasuagbon, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress in Edo State, called on Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, to caution members of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state. He reacted to reports that suspected gunmen attacked the party’s secretariat and later the residence of former Edo State governor, John Odigie-Oyegun, in Benin City.
The meeting at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence was attended by Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, along with other political stakeholders including Olumide Akpata and Professor Oserhiemen Osunbor.
Imasuagbon warned that the situation could destabilise Edo State if not urgently addressed. He said, “It is deeply troubling that Edo State is witnessing this emerging wave of political intolerance.
“What happened on Tuesday is a prelude to chaos and anarchy if not urgently addressed. President Tinubu must call his party members in Edo to order before the situation spirals out of control.”
He alleged that the attack bore the “imprint of ruling party hirelings” and insisted that intimidation has no place in a democratic society. He also urged Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to maintain peace and order.
According to reports, gunmen stormed the African Democratic Congress secretariat on Ogbelaka Street, off Sokponba Road, firing shots and destroying chairs, canopies, banners and other property. Some party members were reportedly injured. The attackers were also said to have moved to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, where gunshots were fired and vehicles parked near the gate were damaged.
However, the Edo State Government denied any involvement and described the allegations as false and politically motivated. In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele, the administration rejected claims that government officials were behind the incident.
The statement read, “The Edo State Government has noted with concern the allegation by former Anambra State governor and Labour Party figure, Peter Obi, claiming that members of his political camp were attacked by government officials in Edo State.
“We wish to state unequivocally that the Okpebholo administration is not, and will never be, in the business of attacking innocent Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation.
“No directive was at any time issued by the Governor or any organ of the Edo State Government to target members of any political party.
“These allegations lack credible evidence and appear calculated to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension.”
The government said the governor’s earlier comments regarding high profile political visits were guided by his responsibility as Chief Security Officer of the state and were not motivated by political hostility. It also recalled that on Monday, February 23, a faction of the African Democratic Congress led by former Chief Whip of the Senate, Roland Owie, was shut out of a meeting at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence due to an internal crisis within the party, and that armed police officers were deployed to restore order.
The administration maintained that it remains committed to governance, public safety and economic development. It urged political actors to verify facts before making public statements capable of escalating tensions, especially as political activities gradually build toward Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.