RismadarVoice Reporters, February 25, 2026
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on Wednesday condemned the alleged attack on former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State.
In a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Egbeola Martins, IPAC described the incident as a dangerous escalation of political intolerance and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
According to Martins, the reported assault occurred following a political ceremony in Benin City to formally welcome Mr. Olumide Akpata into the ADC.
“The Inter-Party Advisory Council unequivocally condemns the brazen and reprehensible attack on former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, former APC National Chairman and former Governor of Edo State, John Odigie-Oyegun, and other leaders of the ADC,” the statement read.
“The reported assault on the ADC secretariat, as well as the attack on the residence of Chief Odigie-Oyegun by suspected thugs, represents one of the gravest manifestations of political intolerance in recent times. Such acts are not only criminal but constitute a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic order.”
IPAC warned that political contestation must not degenerate into violence, noting that the use of thuggery, intimidation to silence opposition voices could derail the nation’s hard-earned democracy.
“Democracy thrives on healthy competition of ideas, not the barrel of a gun,” Martins stated.
The council called on President Bola Tinubu to condemn the alleged attack and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“IPAC calls on President Bola Tinubu to rise above partisan considerations and unequivocally condemn this dastardly act. We further urge him to deploy the full machinery of the Federal Government to ensure that all those responsible for this coordinated violence are tracked, arrested and prosecuted without delay,” the statement added.
The group also urged Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to ensure accountability, demonstrate statesmanship in handling the matter.
IPAC’s reaction followed reports that Obi, Odigie-Oyegun and other ADC chieftains were allegedly attacked by suspected thugs during political activities in Benin.
Earlier, Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, had raised the alarm, circulating photos and videos showing vehicles with smashed windshields and damage to property, including the gate of Odigie-Oyegun’s residence.
The reported incident has heightened concerns over rising political tensions in Edo State amid ongoing disputes over recent electoral outcomes.
However, the Edo State Government has denied the allegations.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, the government described Obi’s claims that members of his political camp were attacked by government officials as false and maliciousness r, insisting that the ADC’s account was a misrepresentation of the facts.
