Edo ADC Vows Resilience After Attack on Party Secretariat, Senator Owie Denies Involvement

The African Democratic Congress in Edo State has vowed not to be intimidated following an attack on the partys secretariat and its members during a political gathering in Benin City.

Senator Rowland Owie, a prominent leader of the party in the state, has categorically denied allegations linking him or his supporters to the violent disruption that occurred on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

Speaking to journalists after the incident, Owie dismissed claims that his faction orchestrated the attack, describing the allegations as baseless attempts to tarnish his reputation and destabilise the partys structure in the state.

The attack occurred during what was meant to be a routine political meeting at the ADC secretariat, when armed thugs allegedly stormed the venue, causing pandemonium and forcing party members to flee for safety. Property was reportedly damaged during the fracas.

Owie maintained that he remains committed to the ideals of the ADC and would never engage in activities that undermine the partys democratic processes. He challenged those making accusations against him to provide evidence or face legal action for defamation.

The incident highlights the growing internal tensions within opposition parties in Edo State as they position themselves ahead of future electoral contests. The ADC, though a relatively small player in the states political landscape, has been seeking to expand its footprint.

Party members have called on security agencies to investigate the attack thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice. They argue that political violence has no place in a democratic society and that parties must be allowed to conduct their activities without fear of intimidation.

The Edo State Police Command has confirmed that it is investigating the incident and has invited key stakeholders for questioning. A spokesperson said adequate measures would be put in place to prevent recurrence of such violence.

Political analysts note that intra-party conflicts often escalate during election cycles, with rival factions employing various tactics including violence to gain advantage. They called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to monitor political activities closely.

The ADC leadership at the national level has yet to issue a formal statement on the Edo incident, but sources close to the partys headquarters suggest that a fact-finding delegation may be dispatched to assess the situation and mediate between warring factions.