BENIN CITY — Opposition political parties in Edo State have warned that rising political violence, systemic harassment of opposition members, and inflammatory statements by ruling party actors threaten to derail peaceful participation in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
The alert was raised in Benin City by a coalition of opposition parties—including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), New Nigeria Peoples Party elements, National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party (LP)—following recent attacks on political actors and campaign structures across the state.
Addressing security agencies and electoral authorities, the opposition leadership condemned alleged acts of intimidation, destruction of campaign materials, and physical assaults targeted at non-ruling party members.
The parties specifically highlighted aggressive political rhetoric by key figures, calling out statements capable of inciting violence ahead of the election cycle. They cautioned that failure by state authorities to curb reckless declarations and prosecute offenders risks plunging Edo State into electoral chaos.
Reaffirming their commitment to peaceful democratic engagement, the opposition leaders declared that while they will not resort to self-help, they will firmly resist any unprovoked attempts to suppress opposition voices or disenfranchise voters.
The coalition called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain strictly neutral, ensure equal security coverage for all political organizations, and establish a level playing field well ahead of 2027.
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