A political activist aligned with former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on President Bola Tinubu to rein in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following a violent incident targeting opposition figures in Edo State. Justin Ijeh of the Obidient movement made the demand after an attack on Obi and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin City.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, when armed individuals assaulted a private gathering attended by Obi and other ADC stalwarts, destroying property. While no injuries were reported, Ijeh described the event as a “premeditated attack” and an “unacceptable escalation.” He noted it mirrored a similar assault on an opposition event in Lagos, suggesting a pattern of political thuggery.
Ijeh specifically referenced prior public threats made by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, an APC member, concerning Obi’s safety within the state. He argued this represents a dangerous progression from inflammatory rhetoric to physical violence, undermining democratic rights to free assembly.
“We urge you, Mr. President, to address this vicarious liability, as the Constitution holds you responsible for the security and welfare of Nigerians,” Ijeh stated during an interview on Arise Television. He called for a thorough investigation by an independent panel, expressing distrust in the local police’s capacity for impartiality. Furthermore, he insisted that President Tinubu, as leader of the APC, must personally condemn the violence to halt further descent into political conflict.
The ADC, which has formed an electoral alliance with Obi’s Labour Party, identifies the attackers as political thugs linked to the APC. The party and Obi’s supporters have consistently alleged a campaign of intimidation by state-backed actors in opposition strongholds.
This episode heightens tensions around Nigeria’s off-cycle governorship election in Edo State, scheduled for September 21. Political violence has historically marred campaigns, but observers note an increased frequency of clashes involving partisan groups. The federal government’s response to this latest incident is being scrutinized as a test of its commitment to ensuring a level playing field and protecting civic freedoms amid heightened political competition.
