A group under the aegis of the ADC Grassroots Mobilisation for Change (AGMC) has raised the alarm over repeated attacks on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State.
The latest incident, according to the group, occurred on Sunday evening at the residence of the party’s National Legal Adviser, Oserheimen Osunbor, in Iruekpen, where members had gathered for a meeting, reports The Guardian.
The group said this comes barely five days after suspected hoodlums reportedly disrupted a meeting of ADC leaders at the party’s secretariat in Benin City.
In a statement signed by its Director of Communication, Andrew Iguebor, the group condemned what it termed “incessant attacks” on the party, warning that such actions pose a threat to democratic practice.
The group described the attack on a meeting held within a private residence as disturbing, noting that it represented an assault not just on the party but on democratic norms.
The statement said, “We the ADC Grassroots Mobilization for Change (AGMC) strongly condemn the incessant attacks on the ADC party. Democracy can only thrive where opposition voices are respected, not silenced through intimidation and violence.
“The recent attack in Edo State is a clear example of political intolerance taken too far. This shameful incident occurred Sunday in the compound of Sen. Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, a party chieftain and the National Legal Officer of the ADC, during a duly convened party meeting.
“An attack on a peaceful gathering within a private residence is not only an attack on ADC but an attack on democracy itself.
“Edo State is fast becoming a battleground where opposition voices are being targeted by APC-sponsored hooligans allegedly backed by the state government to silence dissent. This is unacceptable in a democratic society.
The group said the ADC would not be silenced, adding that w government that has inflicted pain and hardship on Nigerians cannot suppress the will of the people through intimidation.
“The people of Edo have resolved to vote out bad governance. No amount of threats, violence, or political harassment will stop ADC from taking over Edo State in 2027.
“We call on security agencies to thoroughly investigate this attack and bring the perpetrators to justice. Democracy must be protected at all costs”, the statement added.
