The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) linking it to the recent shooting incident in Edo State, describing the allegations as baseless and reckless.
In a statement on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, APC urged a thorough investigation into the matter, suggesting that the ADC and its leaders be scrutinised as prime suspects, while reaffirming the party’s commitment to law, order, and national security.
The shooting occurred on Tuesday during an ADC event in Edo State, reportedly endangering former Governor John Oyegun, 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate Olumide Akpata, and others. ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi had blamed the APC for the attack, framing it as part of a broader pattern of political intimidation against opposition parties.
APC dismissed the accusation, stating, “The African Democratic Congress is, undoubtedly, its own nemesis… The party is doing a good job crippling itself even before it has time to stand on its feet.” The party added that ADC leaders “weaponise dark humour as a strategy to deceive, distract, and disrupt in desperation for public sympathy.”
The ruling party called the ADC’s claim of “acts of terrorism by the ruling APC against our party” reckless and unfounded, urging law enforcement to begin investigations with scrutiny of the ADC itself. APC highlighted internal factional conflicts within ADC and noted that violence in political spaces is unacceptable, emphasizing that all perpetrators must be held accountable.
The statement concluded by reaffirming APC’s support for President Bola Tinubu and the administration’s focus on building a stronger, resilient, and prosperous nation for all Nigerians, noting the party’s recent electoral successes in the Federal Capital Territory, Rivers, and Kano states.
