The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has strongly condemned Governor Monday Okpebholo for what it describes as a dangerous pattern of threats, intimidation, and political brinkmanship against opposition figures.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by PDP Publicity Secretary Dan Osa-Ogbegie, the party accused the governor of escalating tensions through inflammatory public allegations that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) promotes cultism, coupled with vows to demolish homes belonging to opposition leaders and members.
“The Peoples Democratic Party, Edo State Chapter, strongly condemns the alarming descent of Governor Monday Okpebholo into threats, intimidation and dangerous political brinkmanship,” the statement read.
The PDP highlighted that no governor in a constitutional democracy has the authority to criminalize political opposition through proclamations. It stressed that allegations do not equate to convictions, political affiliation is not evidence of crime, and property rights are constitutionally protected.
The criticism comes amid reports of a violent incident in Benin City on Tuesday, where armed individuals allegedly trailed opposition leaders, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi and ADC chieftains from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun following the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC.
Gunshots were fired at the gate, and several vehicles were destroyed in what has been described as a survived assassination attempt. Peter Obi reportedly stated: “Peter Obi and the leadership of the ADC are under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State. They shot at the gate and destroyed several vehicles in what appears to be a survived assassination attempt on our lives. Democracy is in danger.”
The PDP described the sequence of events as deeply concerning: “First, inflammatory accusations. Then threats of demolition. Now reported armed intimidation. This trajectory must be halted immediately.”Labeling the governor's actions as “executive recklessness of the highest order,” the party warned that Edo State is standing dangerously close to political anarchy if such behavior continues.
"It emphasized that the fight against cultism should not be turned into “political theatre designed to demonise opponents.”
The PDP called on Governor Okpebholo to immediately retract his threats, reaffirm his commitment to constitutional governance, and allow democracy to thrive through debate and lawful engagement rather than intimidation.
Additionally, the party urged the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to remain professional, impartial, and loyal to the Constitution while conducting a transparent investigation into the reported attack and ensuring perpetrators face justice regardless of political ties.
The PDP vowed to resist any attempts to drag the state into executive lawlessness or politically induced violence, asserting that “Edo belongs to its people, not to one administration.”
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