IPAC Denounces the Assault on ADC leaders, Odigie-Oyegun, and Obi

By Victor Olabode

25 February 2026

Politics

The alleged attack on former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress John Odigie-Oyegun, and other African Democratic Congress leaders in Edo State was denounced by the Inter-Party Advisory Council on Wednesday.

In an Abuja-based statement, IPAC’s National Publicity Secretary Egbeola Martins revealed this and called the event a “dangerous escalation of political intolerance.”

Following a political ceremony to formally welcome Olumide Apata into the party in Edo State, he declared, “The Inter-Party Advisory Council unequivocally condemns the brazen and reprehensible attack on former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former APC National Chairman and former Governor of Edo State John Odigie-Oyegun, and other leaders of the ADC.”

“The reported assault on the ADC secretariat as well as the attack on the residence of Chief Odigie-Oyegun by suspected thugs, represents one of the gravest manifestations of political intolerance in recent times. In addition to being illegal, these actions directly undermine Nigeria’s democratic system.

It is imperative that political contestation never degenerate into violence. If not immediately and forcefully addressed, the use of thuggery, intimidation, and brute force to silence opposition voices is dangerous, unacceptable, and has the potential to destroy our hard-won democracy. Instead of the barrel of a gun, democracy thrives on healthy competition of ideas.

The council urged Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and President Bola Tinubu to step in and guarantee accountability.

“IPAC urges President Bola Tinubu to put aside political differences and categorically denounce this heinous act. We also implore him to use the full force of the federal government to make sure that everyone accountable for this coordinated violence is immediately apprehended, detained, and charged.

“We also urge Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, to show statesmanship by stepping up to ensure that justice is done, regardless of party affiliation. IPAC cautions that a culture of intolerance and violence against opposition parties is a major danger to the stability of the country.

Martins said, “If left unchecked, it could create a dangerous precedent where political disagreements are settled through force rather than through democratic processes.”

IPAC’s response came after rumors circulated that suspected thugs in Benin, Edo State, had attacked Obi, Odigie-Oyegun, and other ADC leaders during political events related to Olumide Akpata’s official party declaration.

Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide and a former campaign spokesperson for Obi, had previously sounded the alarm in an Abuja statement.

Tanko shared images and videos of multiple SUVs with broken windshields and a bullet-riddled gate leading to Odigie-Oyegun’s home.

As opposition leaders continue to contest recent election results and voice concerns about the safety of political actors and the status of Nigeria’s democracy, the reported attack on Tuesday has increased worries about growing political tensions in Edo State.

However, the state government quickly denounced Obi’s allegations that state officials had attacked members of his political camp as malicious and untrue.

According to the government, the ADC’s account blatantly misrepresented the facts.

The government said, “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,” in a statement sent to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Tuesday.