Benin City, Nigeria – Tensions escalated yesterday at the premises of the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and their lawyers were reportedly attacked by individuals alleged to be hired thugs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The APC has condemned the attack, describing it as a premeditated and violent act aimed at disrupting the tribunal proceedings. According to reports, several APC members and legal representatives suffered injuries after being assaulted with weapons such as battle axes and bottles.
Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating online shown the attackers wearing branded T-shirts and caps associated with PDP chieftain Asue Ighodalo. The APC alleged that security agencies, despite prior warnings of a potential attack, failed to prevent or intervene during the violence.
APC Edo State Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, lamented the repeated attacks on party members, referencing a similar incident where a police officer, Inspector Akor Onu, was allegedly killed by PDP agents at Benin City Airport.
“We cannot continue to tolerate these brazen acts of violence. If law enforcement fails to act, we will be forced to defend ourselves in subsequent tribunal sessions,” Tenebe said in a statement.
The APC has called for an immediate investigation and prosecution of those involved, warned that the party’s restraint cannot be guaranteed if such incidents persist.