The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has condemned in strong terms the recent attack on former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, describing the incident as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins, the council called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the violence.
IPAC said it “unequivocally condemns the brazen and reprehensible attack” on Peter Obi, Chief Odigie-Oyegun and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which reportedly occurred after a political ceremony to formally receive Olumide Apata into the party in Edo State.
According to the council, the reported assault on the ADC secretariat and the residence of Chief Odigie-Oyegun by suspected thugs represents “one of the gravest manifestations of political intolerance in recent times.”
“Such acts are not only criminal but constitute a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic order,” IPAC stated.
The council warned that the use of thuggery, intimidation and brute force to silence opposition voices is dangerous and unacceptable, stressing that democracy thrives on healthy competition of ideas, not violence.
IPAC called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “rise above partisan considerations and unequivocally condemn this dastardly act,” urging the Federal Government to ensure that all those responsible are tracked, arrested and prosecuted without delay.
The council also appealed to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to demonstrate statesmanship by ensuring that justice is served, noting that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government.
IPAC further cautioned that a culture of political violence and intolerance against opposition parties poses a serious threat to national stability and could set a dangerous precedent where political disagreements are resolved through force rather than democratic processes.
The council, however, reaffirmed its solidarity with the leadership and members of the ADC and all victims of the attack.