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Francis Onoiribholo
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Edo State Chapter has strongly condemned an attempted arson attack on its Edo State Secretariat in Ogbelaka Street, Benin City, on the evening of Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Reports had it that the suspected hoodlums allegedly masked and operating in a white van, tried to set the ADC Secretariat ablaze. The act was said to have been thwarted by alert passersby who allegedly raised the alarm, prompting the suspects to abandon their mission and fled.
Responding to the attack in a statement, the ADC Edo State Publicity Secretary, Osaze Osagiede, called the attack “a direct assault on democracy and the right of political parties to operate freely without fear of intimidation.”
“This reckless attempt to burn down our Secretariat is not just an attack on ADC but a threat to public safety and democratic coexistence in Edo State. We are deeply concerned, but we remain resolute. ADC will not be intimidated, harassed, or silenced by criminal elements,” Osagiede affirmed.
The Edo State ADC Chairman, Kennedy Odion, also expressed grave concern, warning that political violence and desperation have no place in a democratic society.
“This act clearly reveals the growing intolerance of those who fear the rising popularity and credibility of ADC in Edo State. Let it be known: ADC will not give in to threats, violence, or intimidation. We are law-abiding, peaceful, and committed to democratic engagement,” Odion stated.
Adding his perspective, the ADC National Edo Leader and former National Chairman of the APC, H.E. John Odigie-Oyegun, called the incident “deeply troubling and unacceptable.”
“An attack on a political party office is an attack on democracy itself. Nigeria has paid too high a price for political intolerance. Those behind this act must be identified and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others,” Oyegun declared.
From the South-South Zone, the ADC South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mabel Oboh, condemned the incident and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to peaceful political participation.
“ADC in the South-South will not be cowed by fear. This incident has been officially reported to the police, and we expect a thorough, transparent, and professional investigation. The safety of political actors and democratic institutions must be guaranteed,” Oboh stated.
She further emphasised that while the party remains calm and law-abiding, it will continue engaging relevant authorities to ensure justice is served.
“We will allow the police and the DSS to complete their investigations before issuing further detailed statements. However, let it be on record that ADC remains focused, fearless, and committed to offering Edo people a credible democratic alternative,” Oboh declared.
Osaze Osagiede who noted in his statement that no casualties were reported, urged the security agencies to act swiftly and decisively to apprehend those responsible and prevent any recurrence.