The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vowed to drag the All Progressives Congress (APC) before the ECOWAS Court of Justice over Tuesday’s alleged attack on Peter Obi and other party figures in Benin, Edo State.
The opposition party described the incident as “an act of terrorism” and part of what it called a growing pattern of political intimidation across Nigeria.
In a post on X, Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, said Obi and several ADC leaders were attacked at the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun, a senior party chieftain.
According to Tanko, the incident occurred shortly after the delegation returned from the ADC secretariat, where Olumide Akpata, the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Edo, was formally received into the party.
No official statement has yet been issued by security agencies in Edo State regarding the alleged attack.
Reacting in a statement shared on Wednesday, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC national publicity secretary, said the party would report the matter to diplomatic missions across West Africa.
He accused the ruling APC of fostering a hostile political climate and raised concerns over comments allegedly made by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Abdullahi claimed the governor had previously stated he could not guarantee Obi’s safety if he visited Edo and had accused opposition elements of sponsoring cultism — allegations that, according to ADC, risk inflaming tensions.
“Let it be said plainly: Nigeria is not a private estate. Edo State is not the personal property of any party or any governor,” the statement read.
The ADC said it is compiling what it described as evidence of intimidation and will soon file a suit at the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
The party insisted that freedom of speech, assembly and political participation are constitutional rights that must be protected.
Abdullahi warned that should any harm befall party leaders or supporters amid what he termed “official hostility,” responsibility would lie with those allegedly escalating tensions.
Despite the incident, the opposition party said it would not be intimidated and pledged to pursue all lawful avenues to protect its members nationwide.
Supporters were urged to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while continuing political activities without fear.
