Bold statement first: violence has no place in politics, and this attack on a political leader’s home and party headquarters is a stark reminder of what democracy should reject. But here’s where it gets controversial: should political tensions ever justify or excuse violent acts? And this is the part most people miss—the broader impact on democratic participation and trust when violence enters the equation.
Benin City — A senior Labour Party figure and the National Coordinator of the Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC), Dr. Kingsley Oghogho Okundaye, condemned the assault on the Edo State residence of former governor Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat. The incident occurred during a crucial meeting on Tuesday at Oyegun’s home, where Barrister Olumide Akpata had recently defected to the ADC; suspected gunmen stormed the venue, fired shots, injured several people, and damaged vehicles.
Okundaye’s statement noted that several dignitaries were present at the time, 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.
He linked the attack to Mr. Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, asserting that this was the second time the ADC Edo State premises had come under attack.
Okundaye argued that the incident transcends a single party’s misfortune; it is an attack on democracy itself. He stressed that politics should never be a theater of violence, intimidation, or harassment, and that political participation must be safe, orderly, and lawful. He emphasized that citizen safety is paramount and that security measures must remain stringent across all parties, even during small meetings.
The LPPMC leader reiterated their commitment to a peaceful political movement with a strategic, well-structured operation, insisting that no one should exploit violence to gain political advantage at others’ expense.
Okundaye urged the Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, and other security agencies to intervene and ensure that justice is served for this heinous crime.
