Attack on ADC Edo Secretariat Amid 2027 Election Tensions

An attack on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) state secretariat in Edo State has raised concerns about political violence ahead of the 2027 election cycle. The incident occurred on Wednesday night in Benin City.

According to reports, a group of individuals suspected to be political thugs targeted the ADC office on Ogbelaka Street. The assailants attempted to set the building ablaze by pouring fuel in several sections. A viral video from the scene captured a narrator claiming the attackers tried to burn the facility before fleeing. Their attempt failed, however, after local residents resisted.

The intruders instead destroyed property, including windows and other items within the secretariat. Kennedy Odion, the Edo State Chairman of the ADC, confirmed the attack and the perpetrators’ intent to burn the building. He stated they were armed with at least 10 litres of fuel.

Chairman Odion alleged a political motive, suggesting some opponents want to force the ADC out of the state to eliminate competition for the 2027 general elections. “Election is a game that requires everybody’s participation. There is freedom of association and it is still in force and you can’t force anyone to join a political party of your choice,” he said. The incident has been formally reported to security agencies, with a call for the perpetrators to be identified and prosecuted.

The Edo State Police Command has corroborated the report. Spokesperson Eno Ikoedem said police received a complaint about suspected hoodlums attacking the secretariat and damaging property at approximately 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Officers were quickly deployed to restore order. A preliminary assessment noted malicious damage to party flags and two shattered windows.

“Security has been deployed to the area to forestall further attacks while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible,” Ikoedem stated.

The attack highlights escalating tensions within Edo State’s political landscape. As a registered political party, the ADC’s presence is central to the state’s multi-party democracy. The failed arson and property destruction underscore a concerning trend of using intimidation to influence political participation. Security agencies have intensified patrols around the secretariat, and the investigation is active, focusing on tracing the assailants and their sponsors. The outcome will be closely watched as a test of state resolve in safeguarding fair political contestation ahead of future elections.