Okpebholo Slams Attack on ADC Members, Says Internal Party Rift Taken Too Far

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has condemned the recent attack on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the violence as an internal party crisis that spiraled out of control.

In a personally signed statement released Tuesday night, the governor expressed sympathy for the affected ADC members, lamenting what he termed the exploitation of Edo’s peaceful environment by individuals allegedly bent on fomenting trouble.

Okpebholo decried what he described as the “importation of thugs and miscreants from outside the state under the guise of party politics,” warning that such actions would no longer be tolerated.

“As peace-loving people, this will not be allowed to continue,” he stated, emphasizing his constitutional responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of the state to maintain law and order.

The governor said preliminary indications suggest the incident may have been aimed at tarnishing Edo State’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states.

“Even though the precise motive behind this attack may not yet be fully known, I strongly believe that the ultimate objective is to discredit Edo State and undermine its reputation,” he said.

He maintained that political rivalry must not degenerate into violence, insisting that governance and electoral success should be anchored on performance, grassroots engagement, and sustained public trust, not intimidation or crisis.

“No amount of political blackmail will sway the people of Edo from supporting a government they hold dear,” Okpebholo added, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to service delivery.

While condemning the attack and sympathizing with ADC members, the governor advised the party against directing accusations outside its fold, suggesting that the crisis appeared to stem from internal disagreements.

He further warned that orchestrating or exploiting violence for political advantage signals a lack of credible alternatives to present to voters.

Describing his party as a dominant political force in the state, Okpebholo said it welcomes healthy opposition but would not be intimidated by what he termed blackmail or self-inflicted disruptions.

The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and continue upholding the state’s longstanding reputation for peace.

“Edo remains a peaceful state, and no one can take that away from us,” he affirmed.

He also issued a stern warning to political actors, urging parties to resolve internal disputes before organizing public events. Any attempt to foment unrest under the guise of political activity, he said, would be decisively addressed.

Okpebholo called on the police and other security agencies to intensify surveillance of political gatherings and ensure they do not escalate into violence, reiterating his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.