2027: ADC, NDC Vow To Resist Political Violence In Edo

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) on Tuesday vowed to resist any form of political violence during campaigns and on Election Day ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The opposition parties accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation against opposition figures in Edo State.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Benin City, a leader of the ADC and former Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, Dan Asekhame, said the opposition parties would no longer remain passive in the face of alleged attacks on their members and political activities.

He said they would no longer tolerate “persistent attacks, victimisation and attempts to frustrate our political activities and electoral ambitions ahead of the elections.”

Asekhame, however, warned against further escalation of political tensions, declaring: “On Election Day, if they come with their voters’ cards, we will come with our voters’ cards. If they come with AK-47, we will come with AK-49.”

The Edo State Chairman of the NDC, Engr. David Olukoga, and his ADC counterpart, Tony Alile, also alleged that opposition members, candidates and supporters had been subjected to repeated attacks, harassment, threats and vandalism since the commencement of political activities.

Olukoga cited the alleged vandalisation of the NDC secretariat in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, destruction of campaign billboards belonging to the party’s candidates, Hon. Bawa Mohammed Qaleeph and Hon. Frank Uyi Omosigho, as well as attacks on party members and structures across the state.

He said the joint press conference was convened to draw national and international attention to what he described as the “ongoing opposition strangulation, coordinated rampage, ruthless vandalism and deliberate destruction” of candidates’ campaign materials.

Olukoga warned that the political atmosphere in Edo must not be deliberately destabilised to give the ruling party an electoral advantage.

“The political arena of Edo State must not be deliberately set ablaze to enable the ruling party to reap votes in the midst of orchestrated chaos,” he said.

Similarly, Alile recounted alleged attacks on ADC leaders, including an incident involving Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and former presidential candidate, Dr. Peter Obi, during which vehicles and other properties were reportedly damaged.

He also raised concerns over alleged attacks on the residence of Professor Oseriemen Osunbor, destruction of ADC campaign materials and the reported shooting of a young man, Jerry Oliha, during an attack on ADC chieftain, Kenneth Imansuagbon, in Igueben on October 6, 2026.

The opposition leaders, however, reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful political engagement, stressing that they would not resort to self-help despite the alleged provocations.

They disclosed that complaints over the incidents had already been lodged with the Commissioner of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The parties called for an immediate end to political violence and intimidation, responsible political rhetoric, impartial investigation of the alleged attacks and prosecution of those found culpable.

They also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral and ensure a level playing field for all political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.