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From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
A chieftain of the Labour Party, Edo State chapter, and national coordinator of the Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC), Dr Kingsley Oghogho Okundaye, on Tuesday, condemned the violent attack on the residence of the national leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun, in Benin.
This was contained in a statement signed personally by him and made available to journalists in Benin.
Dr Okundaye said the incident happened at which the ADC was holding a crucial meeting shortly after Olumide Akpata’s defection to the ADC.
Okundaye said gunmen allegedly stormed the premises of the former governor and a leader of the ADC, firing shots, injuring several individuals and destroying vehicles.
According to Okundaye, “Fortunately, key dignitaries, including Peter Obi, Odigie Oyegun, ADC National Chief Whip, Festus Igbinoba, National Legal Adviser Oserheimen Osunbor, and ADC South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary Mabel Oboh, have all left the venue before the attack.”
The Labour Party chieftain, however, attributed the mindless attack by hoodlums to the visit of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, noting that this marks the second time the ADC Edo State chapter has been targeted in violent attacks.
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He alleged that preliminary reports suggest involvement of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), although investigations remain ongoing.
“What happened to the Edo State secretariat of ADC is not just an attack on a party — it is an attack on democracy itself.
“Politics must never be a theatre of violence, intimidation, or harassment. Political participation must be safe, organised, and lawful,” he added.
According to him, preparedness is a responsibility, not an act of aggression. The party does not endorse violence, but it will not tolerate intimidation.
“The safety of all citizens remains paramount, and security measures must stay strict at all levels in all opposition parties, even during small meetings.
“LPPMC believes in a peaceful political movement. Our focus is strategic. Our operations are structured. No one should be allowed to use violence to shine politically at the expense of others.”
He called on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, and other security agencies to wade into the heinous crime and ensure that justice is served.
