A chieftain of the Labour Party and National Coordinator of the Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress, Dr Kingsley Oghogho Okundaye, has condemned the violent attack on the residence of former Edo State governor John Odigie Oyegun and the secretariat of the African Democratic Congress in Benin City.
The incident occurred on Tuesday while key political figures were meeting at Odigie Oyegun residence following the defection of Barrister Olumide Akpata to the ADC. Suspected gunmen reportedly stormed the premises, fired shots, injured several individuals and destroyed vehicles.
In a statement, Okundaye disclosed that prominent 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 were present before the attack.
He attributed the violence to the political tension surrounding Obi visit, describing it as the second time the ADC Edo State structure had been targeted.
Okundaye described the development as a direct assault on democratic values, stressing that politics must never descend into violence intimidation or harassment. He said political participation should remain safe organised and lawful, regardless of party affiliation.
The LP chieftain urged security agencies to take decisive action to prevent further breakdown of law and order. He specifically called on the Acting Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu to ensure that those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted.
According to him, no individual or group should be allowed to exploit violence for political relevance. He reaffirmed that the Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress remains committed to peaceful and structured political engagement.
The attack has heightened concerns about political security in Edo State as stakeholders call for strengthened protection for opposition gatherings and democratic processes.
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