Edo Govt: Oyegun Attack Is Internal ADC Clash, Not APC-Related

The Edo State Government has dismissed claims linking the All Progressives Congress (APC) or Governor Monday Okpebholo to the recent attack on the residence of former governor John Odigie-Oyegun.

According to the Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, the incident was the result of internal disputes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the violence as bearing “all the imprimatur of ADC versus ADC.”

Afegbua noted that tensions had been mounting prior to the incident, following a political meeting at Oyegun’s residence where some party members were reportedly denied entry. The situation escalated after aggrieved members protested outside the premises.

He added that Governor Okpebholo acted responsibly when reports of gunfire near the residence emerged, immediately directing the Commissioner of Police to investigate. Afegbua said that pellets from the gunfire reportedly reached the Government House compound, prompting swift security measures.

The commissioner rejected suggestions that the residence’s proximity to Government House implied official involvement, stressing that security agencies were alerted as soon as the disturbance began.

Afegbua also criticised former presidential candidate Peter Obi for prematurely drawing conclusions, accusing him of politicising the development without acknowledging the internal tensions within the ADC.

He assured residents that law enforcement agencies would conduct a thorough investigation and prosecute anyone found culpable. Afegbua emphasised that the state government would not tolerate political violence in any form.

Further defending Governor Okpebholo, the commissioner portrayed him as committed to infrastructure development, security reforms, and political inclusiveness, reiterating that the administration remains focused on governance and maintaining peace across Edo State.