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From Tony Osauzo and Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The battle for Edo State ahead of the 2027 general election intensified, yesterday, as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) accused individuals allegedly linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of unleashing intimidation and violence against opposition members, while a group of pensioners pledged to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and help Governor Monday Okpebholo deliver his target of 2.5 million votes.
The contrasting developments unfolded in Benin City, where the NDC demanded investigations into alleged attacks on opposition meetings, destruction of campaign materials, threats against political opponents and reported gunfire at a political gathering, while retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) visited Government House to thank Okpebholo for approving their return to the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS).
The opposition party specifically called for an investigation into remarks allegedly attributed to Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, concerning the use of AK-47 rifles against opposition members during the 2027 elections, insisting that political competition must not be allowed to degenerate into violence.
Speaking at a press conference in Benin City, the NDC’s Edo Central senatorial candidate and Director-General of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, John Yakubu, alleged that opposition parties and their supporters were facing increasing harassment, intimidation and attacks.
Yakubu said the party had documented incidents involving the alleged arrest and detention of its members, vandalisation of campaign offices, disruption of political meetings and destruction of billboards.
He also cited alleged gunfire at a gathering of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Igueben, which reportedly left several members seriously injured.
The NDC further raised concerns over alleged threats against one of its members identified as Maxwell, reportedly because of his political affiliation and the use of his hotel in Illeh-Ekpoma for party meetings.
According to the party, commercial drivers and motorcycle operators in Esan North-East and Esan West local government areas were also allegedly being pressured to wear APC-branded caps as a condition for conducting their daily businesses.
The party described the reported incidents as threats to political freedom and democratic participation, urging security agencies to investigate the allegations without regard to the political affiliations of those involved.
It called on the APC leadership to clarify the statement allegedly attributed to Tenebe and publicly condemn political violence and intimidation.
The NDC also appealed to Governor Okpebholo, the Nigeria Police Force, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to guarantee a peaceful political environment in which all parties could organise meetings, campaign and seek public support without fear.
Among its demands were impartial investigations, adequate protection for individuals facing credible threats, prosecution of anyone found culpable and independent documentation of the reported incidents by civil society organisations and the media.
The party said it would pursue lawful means to protect its members and seek redress, while urging supporters to remain calm and resist any temptation to retaliate.
“Edo belongs to all its citizens. No party stands above the law,” the statement declared.
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The allegations against individuals linked to the APC and the reported remarks attributed to Tenebe had not been independently established in the accounts made available, while the response of the state APC leadership was not included.
Meanwhile, as the opposition raised concerns over the political atmosphere, members of the Association of Retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme pledged to support Tinubu’s re-election following Okpebholo’s decision to return them to the Defined Benefits Scheme.
The pensioners, who paid a thank-you and solidarity visit to Government House, Benin City, said the governor’s intervention had resolved a longstanding grievance arising from the implementation of the contributory pension arrangement under the previous administration.
Chairman of the association, Asemota Osagie Andrew, said many retirees had suffered hardship under the former system, recalling his personal experience after retiring from public service following 35 years of service.
He described Okpebholo’s decision as evidence of a government responsive to the concerns of its citizens and promised that the beneficiaries would reciprocate by mobilising electoral support for the governor and President Tinubu.
“We are here to thank you for matching words with action. We will support you politically and ensure President Tinubu returns to Aso Rock for a second term. You have promised the President 2.5 million votes. Leave the strategy to us, we will deliver.” Asemota recalled that the association had approached the governor to seek a return to the Defined Benefits Scheme and received an assurance that its request would be considered.
“Within two weeks of our discussion, you granted our request. Our colleagues in Lagos State are still fighting for theirs, while our amiable governor has settled ours here in Edo State,” he added.
The association’s Secretary, Aikpitanyi Felix, said the pensioners’ appreciation would go beyond expressions of gratitude, as members were prepared to translate their support into votes during the 2027 election.
“This struggle began under the last administration, which failed to listen to us while we continued to suffer. You have come to develop the state’s infrastructure, but also to develop its people,” he told the governor.
Other members of the delegation, including Lawrence Osifo, Veronica Ojehumen and Mercy Itohan, also commended Okpebholo and pledged support for the electoral target.
Responding, the governor said his administration was committed to addressing the challenges confronting Edo residents and improving their welfare through policies and programmes that would have direct benefits.
“I was voted for because of the plight of Edo people, and I am in office to solve the challenges facing them. You voted for me to develop Edo State, and that is exactly what I am doing. Anything that will not benefit Edo people, I will not do it.”
Okpebholo credited President Tinubu with supporting his administration’s decisions, including the intervention in the pensioners’ dispute.
“The President cares for us. That is why, whenever I am taking a decision, I consult him, and when he gives me the go-ahead, I proceed. I asked the President about your issue, and he gave me the go-ahead,” the governor said.
The developments underscore the contrasting political messages emerging in Edo ahead of the 2027 elections, with the NDC demanding protection for opposition activities and investigation of alleged intimidation, while the pensioners’ association is mobilising support for the President on the strength of the state government’s pension intervention.
