The Edo State Chapter of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that its members came under attack on Monday at the premises of the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal.

According to a statement by the Acting State Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, the attackers were allegedly hired by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to disrupt the tribunal proceedings.

Tenebe claimed that the party had alerted the security agencies ahead of the attack, but the police failed to take action. He described the attackers as “dastardly groups of thugs” who violently attacked APC members and lawyers, leaving several people with injuries.

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The attackers, reportedly wearing branded Asue Ighodalo’s T-shirts and caps, used battle axes, bottles, and other dangerous weapons to carry out the attack.

The PDP has yet to respond to the allegations, but the State Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, promised that the party would reply “appropriately”. This incident is not the first time the APC has accused the PDP of violence.

In a similar incident in Osun State, the PDP alleged that the APC was planning to attack the Tribunal hearing petition against the victory of the state governor, Ademola Adeleke ¹.
Tenebe also linked the attack to the non-prosecution of those involved in the death of a police officer, Akor Onu, in July this year.

He warned that the APC would not guarantee the restraint of its members in subsequent court dates and would take steps to defend themselves and arrest those responsible for the attack.

The incident highlights the escalating tensions between the APC and PDP in Edo State, and raises concerns about the safety of party members and the integrity of the electoral process.