Benin Attack: APC Proving To Be Terrorist Organisation — ADC - Report

In Nigeria, aBUJA – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has con­demned what it described as a gun attack and assassi­nation attempt in Edo State, targeting former Governor John Oyegun, party leader; Peter Obi, and Olumide Ak­pata.

The party, which said that the incident in Edo reflects a troubling pattern of political intimidation against the opposition, declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is proving to be a ter­rorist organisation.

In Nigeria, oyegun is the former governor of Edo State and chairman of the ADC Poli­cy and Manifesto Commit­tee; Obi, a national leader of ADC; and Akpata, a for­mer Labour Party’s (LP) governorship candidate in Edo State, who recently joined the ADC.

The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said that the party will report the at­tack to ECOWAS Court of Human Rights.

The party also accused Edo State governor, Mon­day Okpebholo, of making inflammatory claims and threats that have height­ened tensions and could lead to further breakdown of law and order.

In Nigeria, aDC said: “This was not an isolated incident. It bears the unmistakable marks of a dangerous and escalating pattern of politi­cal intimidation and terror against our party across the country. The resort to gun­fire against lawful political actors represents an act of terrorism against the oppo­sition, which has no place in a constitutional democ­racy.

“We are particularly alarmed by the pattern of inflammatory rhetoric and threats that have preceded these events, including the outrageous claim by the state governor, Monday Ok­pebholo, who had earlier is­sued a threat that he would not guarantee the safety of Mr. Peter Obi should he vis­it Edo State.

“The governor has since gone ahead to make further ridiculous and irresponsi­ble claim that the ADC is sponsoring cultism in Edo State, and threatened to start demolishing proper­ties of the opposition in the state.

“Let it be said plainly: Nigeria is not a private estate. Edo State is not the personal property of any party or any governor. No elected official has the constitutional authority to threaten, harass, or endan­ger law-abiding political actors for exercising their democratic rights. Our members and supporters across Edo State and Nige­ria have the constitutional right to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and right to lawful self-defence.”

In Nigeria, aDC, which warned against intimidating their leaders and members, point­ed out the consequences of such action, adding, “The Federal Government and the Edo State government are free to continue on their present course. But let there be no misunderstanding: if any harm comes to our lead­ers, members, or supporters as a result of this escalating climate of official hostility, intimidation, or incitement, the responsibility for what­ever consequences follow will rest squarely with those who chose the path of prov­ocation over the path of peace.

“We are compiling all cases of acts of terrorism by the ruling APC against our party. We shall soon be making our reports avail­able to all diplomatic mis­sions as well as the ECOW­AS Court of Human Rights.

“Let no one be left in doubt: Regardless of the level of intimidation, ADC will not bow to terror and will take all lawful means to protect its members and fa­cilities across the country. We urge all our members to remain vigilant and to go about their lawful activities without fear.”

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