Tensions Rise in Edo as Election Tribunal Violence Sparks Outcry

From Moshood Karim

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned an alleged violent attack on its members and legal representatives at the premises of the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal in Benin City.

The incident, which reportedly involved armed thugs, has deepened the rift between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), sparking widespread concern.

 

The APC, through a statement signed by its State chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, alleged that the attack was orchestrated by PDP-hired thugs in an attempt to intimidate the opposition and disrupt tribunal proceedings. Several APC members and lawyers sustained severe injuries during the fracas.

 

“This attack is part of a disturbing pattern of violence perpetuated against our members since the electioneering period that led to Senator Monday Okoepholo’s victory as governor,” Tenebe stated. “Despite prior warnings to security agencies, no preventive measures were taken.”

 

Eyewitnesses claimed that the attackers, dressed in paraphernalia branded with PDP slogans and images of prominent party leaders, stormed the tribunal premises armed with dangerous weapons. Videos circulating online appear to corroborate the APC's claims, showing chaos and injured individuals fleeing the scene.

 

The APC also linked the attack to an earlier incident at Benin City Airport, where PDP affiliates were accused of violent acts that allegedly included the murder of a police officer.

The APC criticised law enforcement for failing to prosecute those involved in the airport incident, suggesting that the lack of accountability emboldened further violence.

 

The PDP has yet to issue an official statement addressing the allegations. However, political analysts warn that such incidents undermine democratic processes and could exacerbate political instability in the state.

 

As tensions remain high, the APC has vowed to protect its members at subsequent tribunal hearings, with Tenebe signaling a readiness for self-defense measures. “We cannot rely on the police alone,” he declared, calling for justice and accountability.