IPAC blasts attack on Obi, Odigie-Oyegun, demands swift prosecution

2026-02-25 - 13:26

...Warns of threat to democracy By Luminous Jannamike ABUJA — The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has strongly condemned the attack on former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-Governor of Edo State, John Odigie-Oyegun, as well as other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the incident as a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy. The council, through its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins, on Thursday called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those behind the violence. IPAC said political contestation must never descend into violence, stressing that Nigeria must not return to the era of politically motivated violence. “We unequivocally condemn the brazen and reprehensible attack on former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress and former Governor of Edo State, John Odigie-Oyegun and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following a political ceremony to formally welcome Olumide Apata into the party in Edo State. “The reported assault on the ADC secretariat as well as the attack on the residence of Chief Odigie-Oyegun by suspected thugs, represents one of the gravest manifestations of political intolerance in recent times. Such acts are not only criminal but constitute a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic order. “The use of thuggery, intimidation and brute force to silence opposition voices is dangerous, unacceptable and capable of derailing our hard-earned democracy if not urgently and decisively addressed. Democracy thrives on healthy competition of ideas, not the barrel of a gun. “IPAC calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rise above partisan considerations and unequivocally condemn this dastardly act. We further urge him to deploy the full machinery of the Federal Government to ensure that all those responsible for this coordinated violence are tracked, arrested and prosecuted without delay. “We equally call on the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, to demonstrate statesmanship by rising above party lines and ensuring that justice is served. The protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government and no political grievance can justify the unleashing of violence on opposition figures. “IPAC warns that a culture of violence and intolerance against opposition parties poses a serious threat to national stability. If left unchecked, it could create a dangerous precedent where political disagreements are settled through force rather than through democratic processes,” Egbeola added. IPAC said it stands in solidarity with the leadership and members of the ADC and all victims of the attack.