The Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the reported attack on its Local Government Area Secretariat in Ikpoba Okha, alleging that party property was destroyed and stolen amid persistent vandalisation of its campaign materials across the state.

The party called on security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and prosecute anyone found culpable, warning that repeated attacks and alleged intimidation could threaten peaceful political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement jointly signed on Friday, October 16, 2026, by the state chairman, Engr. David Olukoga, and the State Publicity Secretary, Abdulkadiri Abdulazeez Obogeh, the NDC described the incident as a source of grave concern.

According to the party, its secretariat in Ikpoba Okha was ransacked and left in a deplorable condition following an attack involving extensive destruction, vandalism and the alleged theft of party property.

The NDC said the incident was particularly troubling given what it described as a series of similar attacks, threats and acts of intimidation against its candidates and supporters in different parts of Edo State.

It urged the relevant security agencies to investigate the reported attack thoroughly and take preventive measures to protect political party offices, campaign facilities and other authorised campaign infrastructure.

NDC Alleges Pattern of Campaign Attacks

The party said the Ikpoba Okha incident was not isolated, citing previous reports of vandalism targeting campaign materials belonging to its candidates.

It alleged that campaign billboards and other materials belonging to its candidate for Etsako Federal Constituency, Hon. Bawa Mohammed Qawleeph, were vandalised and defaced across the three local government areas within the constituency on the night of September 29, 2026.

Similarly, the NDC alleged that campaign facilities and materials associated with its candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency, Hon. Frank Omoshigo, were targeted on September 29 and 30.

The party said it had video recordings documenting the alleged destruction, defacement and removal of authorised campaign infrastructure.

According to the statement, the incidents raised concerns about the safety of opposition candidates, party members, campaign workers and supporters.

The NDC maintained that political competition should be based on peaceful engagement, policy proposals and voters' choices rather than intimidation, property destruction or obstruction of lawful political activities.

Party Alleges Threats Against Business Owners

The NDC also expressed concern over alleged threats attributed to the APC-appointed Local Government Chairman in Esan West.

It claimed that commercial transport operators, hoteliers and other business owners had allegedly been threatened with sanctions, including eviction from public parks and revocation of property approvals, if they allowed opposition political branding or hosted political gatherings organised by other parties.

The party further raised concerns over reported remarks attributed to the Edo State APC Chairman, Mr. Jarrett Tenebe, which it said could threaten opposition parties and peaceful political participation.

It called on political leaders to exercise restraint, communicate responsibly and reject violence and intimidation as tools of political engagement.

The NDC stressed that the allegations required impartial investigation, adding that no individual, political party or public officeholder should be above the law.

It also maintained that citizens and business owners should not face threats or reprisals for exercising their lawful political and commercial rights.

The allegations against the individuals mentioned in the statement were not independently verified.

NDC Visits DSS, Police Over Security Concerns

The party disclosed that its State Working Committee, candidates and other stakeholders had engaged security agencies over the reported incidents.

According to the statement, a delegation led by Olukoga visited the Department of State Services (DSS) on October 5 and the Edo State Police Command on October 7, 2026.

The NDC said it used the visits to formally present its concerns and report alleged cases of political intimidation, threats and attacks against its members and facilities.

It called on the security agencies to investigate the reported incidents, take preventive action and discharge their statutory responsibilities to protect lives and property and maintain public order.

Following the engagements, the party said Olukoga, through the Office of the State Secretary, issued a security advisory to members and stakeholders.

Under the advisory, members were urged to notify security agencies of planned meetings, rallies and other major gatherings in their areas.

They were also advised to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, threats, intimidation and other potentially unlawful activities to the appropriate authorities.

The party directed members not to take the law into their own hands or engage in retaliatory actions, urging them to remain calm, conduct themselves peacefully and cooperate with security personnel during lawful investigations.

The NDC said the measures were intended to safeguard its members, protect party property and ensure that political activities across Edo State were conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.

Party Demands Prosecution of Perpetrators

The party urged its candidates, members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding while it pursued the matter through the appropriate channels.

It specifically called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the Ikpoba Okha Secretariat attack, including efforts to identify those who allegedly carried out, sponsored or facilitated the incident.

The NDC also urged security agencies to take proactive steps to prevent further attacks on party offices, campaign facilities, billboards and other lawful campaign infrastructure across the state.

It said democracy depended on political parties being able to organise freely, candidates campaigning without fear and citizens making electoral choices without coercion.

According to the party, the right to determine who governs belongs to the electorate and must be exercised freely through the ballot box.

The NDC maintained that intimidation, vandalism and interference with lawful campaign activities could not replace the need for political parties to earn public support through their policies, conduct and commitment to good governance.

NDC Says Attacks Will Not Stop Its Activities

Despite the reported incidents, the party said it remained committed to peaceful political engagement, democratic participation and the rule of law.

It maintained that the destruction of its property and campaign materials would not deter its candidates, discourage its members or weaken its resolve to present its programmes to the people of Edo State.

The party called on political parties, their leaders, supporters and relevant authorities to reject violence, discourage inflammatory rhetoric and promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

It further urged stakeholders to protect the democratic space and ensure that the forthcoming elections were conducted in an atmosphere of peace, security and respect for the rights of political parties and eligible voters.

The statement concluded that the future of Edo State should be determined by the free will of its people rather than fear or intimidation, stressing that the rule of law and the will of the electorate must remain paramount.