The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of using threats and intimidation against opposition figures following a recent political clash in Benin City.
The party reacted after reports of an attack during an event linked to the African Democratic Congress and after the governor allegedly warned that properties linked to opposition members could be demolished.
The PDP, through its Publicity Secretary, Dan Osa-Ogbegie, said the situation could push the state into unrest if not handled with care.
The party said the governor’s recent comments, including claims that the ADC was linked to cult activities and his vow to pull down houses tied to opposition leaders, were troubling.
It argued that in a democracy, political rivalry should not lead to threats or punishment without due process. The PDP maintained that belonging to an opposition party is not a crime and that property rights are protected by law. It described the governor’s actions as reckless and warned that fighting cultism must not turn into a political tool.
The reaction followed reports of violence on Tuesday during the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC. Former presidential candidate Peter Obi, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and other party leaders were said to have been present in Benin City when armed men allegedly trailed them from the ADC secretariat to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence.
According to accounts from Obi’s former campaign spokesman, Yunusa Tanko, the attackers fired shots at the gate and damaged several vehicles. Images circulating online showed gates marked by bullets and smashed windscreens of SUVs.
The PDP said if the reports are correct, the state is moving toward chaos. It stated that the sequence of events — public accusations, threats of demolition and then armed intimidation — raises concern about the safety of opposition members.
The party called on Governor Okpebholo to withdraw any threats made against political opponents and to assure residents that he remains committed to constitutional rule.
It also urged security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, to investigate the reported attack openly and bring those responsible to justice, no matter their political ties.
The party added that security officers must remain loyal to the Constitution rather than to any individual in office.
The PDP said democracy allows debate and competition among parties and warned that it would resist any move that could lead to political violence or abuse of power.
It insisted that Edo State belongs to its people and not to any single administration, and it urged the governor to reconsider his approach before further damage is done to the state’s political climate.