IPAC Condemns Attack On Obi, Odigie-Oyegun, ADC Chieftains
The Inter-Party Advisory Council has condemned the alleged attack on former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress in Edo State.
IPAC’s National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Martins, who disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, described the incident as a dangerous escalation of political intolerance.
He said, “The Inter-Party Advisory Council unequivocally condemns the brazen and reprehensible attack on former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, former APC National Chairman and former Governor of Edo State, John Odigie-Oyegun and other leaders of the ADC following a political ceremony to formally welcome Olumide Apata into the party in Edo State.
“The reported assault on the ADC secretariat as well as the attack on the residence of Chief Odigie-Oyegun by suspected thugs, represents one of the gravest manifestations of political intolerance in recent times. Such acts are not only criminal but constitute a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic order.
“Political contestation must never descend into violence. The use of thuggery, intimidation and brute force to silence opposition voices is dangerous, unacceptable and capable of derailing our hard-earned democracy if not urgently and decisively addressed. Democracy thrives on healthy competition of ideas, not the barrel of a gun.”
The council called on President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo to intervene and ensure accountability.
READ ALSO
•OAU Student Demands N15m, Public Apology From Colleague Who Accused Him Of Rape
•AU Condemns Zamfara Killings, Demands Release Of Abducted Women, Children
“IPAC calls on President Bola Tinubu to rise above partisan considerations and unequivocally condemn this dastardly act. We further urge him to deploy the full machinery of the Federal Government to ensure that all those responsible for this coordinated violence are tracked, arrested and prosecuted without delay.
“We equally call on the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, to demonstrate statesmanship by rising above party lines and ensuring that justice is served. IPAC warns that a culture of violence and intolerance against opposition parties poses a serious threat to national stability.
“If left unchecked, it could create a dangerous precedent where political disagreements are settled through force rather than through democratic processes,” Martins stated.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
