The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations linking it to a reported shooting incident in Edo State, accusing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of politicising the matter and disregarding due process.
The controversy followed claims by Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, that Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), alongside some ADC chieftains, was attacked in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Tanko alleged that the attack occurred at the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun, a former governor of Edo State.
Subsequently, the ADC issued a statement on Wednesday accusing the ruling APC of being responsible for the incident.
Responding in a statement on Thursday, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka described the ADC’s accusations as baseless and premature.
Morka argued that blaming the APC before the conclusion of investigations by security agencies demonstrates a lack of respect for due process.
“Accusing the APC even before any investigation is carried out by law enforcement is particularly senseless and shows the ADC as a party that lacks focus and without regard for the due process of law,” he said.
He further criticised the opposition party for allegedly appointing itself “the accuser, investigator, prosecutor, and judge in its own cause.”
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The APC spokesperson also faulted the ADC’s reference to what it termed “cases of acts of terrorism by the ruling APC against our party,” describing the characterisation as reckless and inflammatory.
According to Morka, such statements portray the ADC leadership as desperate to generate public sympathy.
While denying any involvement, the APC condemned the reported violence and called for a thorough investigation.
“Make no mistake, violence of any kind in our political space is unacceptable and must be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians,” Morka stated.
“Our great party roundly condemns the reported shooting incident in Edo State. We call on the police and other law enforcement authorities to carry out an expeditious investigation into the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
He maintained that the APC has no role in the incident and remains focused on governance and its recent electoral victories, including successes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) municipal elections and constituency elections in Rivers and Kano states.
“To be clear, the APC has absolutely no role or responsibility in the unfortunate shooting incident,” he added, dismissing the gathering in Edo as politically inconsequential.
The incident has further heightened political tensions among parties, particularly amid ongoing realignments and preparations ahead of future electoral contests.
Security agencies are yet to release an official report detailing the circumstances surrounding the reported shooting.