A political meeting in Benin City, Edo State, was violently disrupted on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in an incident that has sent shockwaves through the state's political landscape. The savage attack targeted a gathering of leaders from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who had convened at the home of one of the party’s national leaders, Chief John Oyegun.
The purpose of the meeting was to formally receive a significant new member, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata (SAN), into the party's fold. The event, however, took a dangerous turn when armed assailants descended on the venue.
The Attack: A Scene of Terror
According to verified reports, the thugs sprayed bullets on the gate of Chief Oyegun’s residence, creating panic among those gathered inside. They proceeded to vandalize several vehicles belonging to attending opposition leaders, shattering windows and causing significant property damage. The violence was not isolated; the attackers also targeted the ADC's party secretariat in a seemingly coordinated effort to intimidate the party's entire structure.
Political Significance of the Target
The focus on Olumide Akpata adds a critical layer to the incident. Akpata was the Labour Party's candidate in the fiercely contested September 2024 Edo State Governorship Election, which produced the incumbent Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo. His defection to the ADC represents a major realignment in Edo politics and is perceived as a direct threat to the established power bloc. This attack during a moment of strategic expansion for the ADC suggests an attempt to stifle opposition growth through fear.
Aftermath and Accusations
In the wake of the violence, a political blame game has erupted. Leaders of the ADC have publicly labeled the incident an "assassination attempt," pointing to the targeted nature of the violence. The incident raises grave concerns about the safety of political opposition and the potential for violence to become a tool in the upcoming electoral cycle. Investigations are underway, but the event has already deepened existing political tensions in Edo State.
