BENIN CITY — The Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised an alarm over mounting political intimidation, harassment, and orchestrated violence targeting its members and candidates, calling on law enforcement agencies to launch a thorough investigation into key leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Benin City on Tuesday October 27, 2026, the Director-General of the Edo NDC Campaign Council and candidate for Edo Central Senatorial District, John Yakubu, accused individuals linked to the APC of attempting to stifle opposition activities across the state.
Yakubu revealed that the party has documented multiple acts of violence, including physical assaults, illegal arrests, vandalization of campaign offices, destruction of billboards, and violent disruptions of political gatherings.
“We have documented several severe incidents, including the arrest and detention of our members, vandalisation of campaign offices, disruption of political meetings, destruction of billboards, and alleged gunfire at a gathering in Igueben, which left several persons seriously injured,” Yakubu stated.
The party also highlighted systematic coercion targeting local transporters, alleging that commercial drivers and motorcycle operators in Esan North-East and Esan West local government areas are being forced to wear APC-branded caps as a mandatory condition to operate.
Further detail was provided on threats made against a prominent party member, identified as Mr. Maxwell, whose hotel venue in Illeh-Ekpoma was targeted simply for hosting NDC consultative meetings.
Standing alongside the NDC State Chairman, David Olukoga, and several legislative candidates, Yakubu urged Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Inspector General of Police, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to step in and ensure equal security protection for all political parties.
“Offices do not vote, posters do not vote, banners do not vote. Edo belongs to all its citizens, and no political party stands above the law,” Olukoga remarked, while appealing to NDC supporters across the state to remain peaceful and avoid taking the law into their hands.
The NDC demanded that security agencies act swiftly to investigate all reported incidents impartially, prosecute perpetrators, and provide independent protection for opposition figures facing credible threats.
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