Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the assault of African Democratic Congress (ADC) members, describing it as an escalation of internal party conflicts that has gone too far.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Governor expressed sympathy for the victims and decried the use of Edo State’s peaceful environment to incite violence.
“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,” he said, affirming his commitment to preventing Edo from becoming a battleground for political rivalry.
Okpebholo stressed that while the motives behind the attack remain unclear, the incident appears aimed at discrediting Edo State and undermining its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful regions. He added that no political blackmail would weaken public support for the government.
He condemned the use of violence by politicians or individuals seeking electoral advantage, describing it as a demonstration of poor integrity and disrespect for the electorate. He also encouraged constructive opposition while warning parties to resolve internal disputes before organizing public events.
The Governor called on residents to remain calm and maintain peace, asserting that Edo’s legacy as a peaceful state must be preserved. He further urged security agencies to monitor political gatherings to prevent escalation and reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
