Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Governor of Edo State, has voiced strong doubts regarding the likelihood of police apprehending the perpetrators behind recent attacks on the party’s Secretariat and his personal residence in Benin City.
The attacks, which occurred on Tuesday, have raised concerns about security and political tensions in the lead-up to upcoming elections.
Odigie-Oyegun made his remarks on Friday while speaking to reporters following the ADC’s South-South Zonal Leadership Committee meeting held in Benin. He revealed that security agencies had provided advance warning of the attack, a detail he credited with preventing more serious harm.
Despite this intelligence, Odigie-Oyegun expressed pessimism about the prospect of arrests. “I am not sure if an arrest has been made,” he stated, adding, “I am also not sure if an arrest will be made, considering the nature of the event.”
He questioned how armed individuals could operate so openly without any subsequent detentions, highlighting the brazenness of the assault.
The ADC leader called on the government to prioritize peace and actively discourage violence as the election season approaches. He affirmed the ADC’s commitment to becoming a viable choice for Nigerian voters, stating, “The ADC will do what it takes to make the party the choice of Nigerians.”
Odigie-Oyegun also emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration among leaders and members within the South-South zone. He encouraged them to learn from each other’s experiences to strengthen the party’s position in the region and set a positive example for the rest of the nation.
In related news, the ADC’s South-South Zonal Leadership Committee meeting also served as the venue for a significant political announcement. Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi formally declared his candidacy for President of Nigeria. Amaechi’s entrance into the presidential race adds another layer of intrigue to the already dynamic political landscape.