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The African Democratic Congress, ADC, says the All Progressives Congress, APC, has proven to be a terrorist organization.
In a statement by its National Spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC condemned in strong terms what it described as a gun attack and assassination attempt in Edo State targeting former governor John Oyegun, party leader Peter Obi, and Olumide Akpata.
The ADC said the incident in Edo reflects a troubling pattern of political intimidation against the opposition.
The opposition party also accused Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo of making inflammatory claims and threats that have heightened tensions and could lead to a further breakdown of law and order.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemns, in the strongest possible terms, yesterday’s disturbing gun attack and assassination attempt in Edo State targeting Chief John Oyegun, former Governor of Edo State and Chairman of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee; Mr. Peter Obi, a national leader of our party; and Mr. Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party candidate for Edo State who recently joined the ADC.
“This was not an isolated incident. It bears the unmistakable marks of a dangerous and escalating pattern of political intimidation and terror against our party across the country. The resort to gunfire against lawful political actors represents an act of terrorism against the opposition, which has no place in a constitutional democracy.
“We are particularly alarmed by the pattern of inflammatory rhetoric and threats that have preceded these events, including the outrageous claim by the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who earlier issued a threat that he would not guarantee the safety of Mr. Peter Obi should he visit Edo State.
“The Governor has since gone ahead to make further ridiculous and irresponsible claims that the ADC is sponsoring cultism in Edo State and has threatened to start demolishing properties belonging to the opposition in the state.
“Let it be said plainly: Nigeria is not a private estate. Edo State is not the personal property of any party or any governor. No elected official has the constitutional authority to threaten, harass, or endanger law-abiding political actors for exercising their democratic rights.
“Our members and supporters across Edo State and Nigeria have the constitutional rights to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and lawful self-defence.
“The Federal Government and the Edo State Government are free to continue on their present course. But let there be no misunderstanding: if any harm comes to our leaders, members, or supporters as a result of this escalating climate of official hostility, intimidation, or incitement, the responsibility for whatever consequences follow will rest squarely with those who choose the path of provocation over the path of peace.
“We are compiling all cases of acts of terrorism by the ruling APC against our party. We shall soon make our reports available to all diplomatic missions, as well as the ECOWAS Court of Human Rights,” it said.
