Akpata Warns of Threats to Democracy in Edo State

Olumide Akpata, the former national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), expressed grave concern over violent incidents in Edo State aimed at ADC chieftains, which he believes send a dangerous message to voters. He highlighted that these acts of violence, which reportedly occurred during a formal defection to the Labour Party by former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, are attempts to intimidate voters and discourage political participation.

Akpata described an assassination attempt involving armed individuals targeting Obi and ADC leaders at the party's secretariat, where shots were fired, damaging vehicles. He noted that the violence appears designed to instill fear among potential voters, suggesting a politically intolerant environment.

Akpata criticized comments made by the Edo State Governor, who described the incidents as intra-party issues within the ADC, stating that such a perspective is misguided and does not address the seriousness of the attacks.