Edo Violence Aimed to Intimidate Voters, Says Akpata

Olumide Akpata, the leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has characterized the recent violent attacks in Edo State as a deliberate strategy to discourage political participation and intimidate voters ahead of elections. The violence coincided with a formal defect event involving high-profile attendees, including Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate.

Akpata reported that armed assailants opened fire at the ADC secretariat, damaging several vehicles in the convoy. He emphasized that these attacks send a chilling message to citizens, making them reluctant to participate in the electoral process due to fears for their safety.

Akpata noted that the violence appeared to specifically target individuals wearing ADC-branded caps, indicating a politically motivated assault. He accused the ruling party of fostering an environment of political intolerance and called for a thorough investigation into the incidents.

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, reportedly dismissed the violence as an intra-party issue, which Akpata criticized as a missed opportunity for leadership.