The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said it will file a suit against the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the ECOWAS Court of Justice over an alleged attack on former presidential candidate Peter Obi and other opposition figures in Benin City, Edo State.
The party said the action became necessary following what it described as a rising pattern of political intimidation against opposition leaders across the country.
The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday in Benin, the Edo State capital.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, said Obi and some ADC leaders were attacked at the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun, who is now a chieftain of the ADC.
Tanko explained that the group had just returned from the ADC secretariat, where they formally received Olumide Akpata into the party.
Akpata was the Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 Edo State election. His movement into the ADC was seen by many observers as a major political development in the state.
According to Tanko, shortly after the meeting, the group was attacked. However, details about the nature of the attack and whether anyone was injured were not fully disclosed at the time of filing this report.
Reacting to the development, Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, described the attack as part of what he called an increasing wave of harassment against opposition figures.
In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Abdullahi said the party viewed the incident as serious and dangerous.
He described it as “an act of terrorism against opposition figures” and said the ADC would report the matter to diplomatic missions within the West African sub-region.
“We are compiling all cases of acts of terrorism by the ruling APC against our party,” Abdullahi said. “We shall soon be making our reports available to all diplomatic missions as well as the ECOWAS Court of Human Rights.”
The ADC spokesperson also raised concerns about statements allegedly made by Monday Okpebholo, the Governor of Edo State.
Abdullahi accused the governor of making comments capable of increasing tension in the state.
According to him, the governor had earlier said he could not guarantee the safety of Peter Obi if he visited Edo State.
He further alleged that the governor accused the party of sponsoring cultism and threatened to demolish properties belonging to opposition members 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,” Abdullahi said in the statement.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official response from the Edo State Government or the APC regarding these claims.
The ECOWAS Court of Justice is a regional court established by the Economic Community of West African States. The court handles cases involving human rights violations and disputes among member states.
In recent years, Nigerian individuals and groups have approached the ECOWAS court when they believe their rights were violated and local remedies were not sufficient.
By taking the matter to the regional court, the ADC appears to be signaling that it considers the issue serious enough to attract international attention.
Political analysts say this move may also increase pressure on authorities to investigate the alleged attack.
Wider Political Context
The development comes at a time when political activities are gradually building up across the country, even though the next general election is still some years away.
Peter Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, remains a strong voice in opposition politics. His supporters, known as the Obidient Movement, have continued to mobilise and engage in political discussions nationwide.
The ADC, which has existed for several years as a smaller opposition party, has recently been attracting new members, including politicians from other parties.
Observers say the reported welcome of Olumide Akpata into the ADC may signal efforts to strengthen the party’s structure ahead of future elections in Edo State and beyond.
Edo State has a history of competitive politics, with different parties winning elections at various times. Political tensions often rise as parties position themselves for advantage.
Abdullahi stressed that no elected official has the constitutional power to threaten or harass law-abiding political actors.
He said ADC members and supporters across Edo State and Nigeria are entitled to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
He also warned that if any harm comes to party leaders, members or supporters as a result of what he described as growing hostility, responsibility would lie with those “stoking the tension.”
The party vowed not to bow to intimidation and promised to take all lawful measures to protect its members and facilities across the country.
At the same time, Abdullahi urged supporters to remain calm and continue their lawful political activities without fear.
Nigeria’s political history has seen periods of tension, especially during election seasons. However, civil society groups often remind leaders and supporters that violence and threats weaken democratic institutions.
As the ADC prepares to file its case at the ECOWAS Court, many Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the matter unfolds.
For now, the focus remains on whether the alleged attack will be investigated and whether the planned legal action will proceed.
The coming days may determine whether the dispute remains a political war of words or moves into a broader legal and diplomatic arena.
