Imasuangbon Blasts APC Over Alleged Attack on Obi, Oyegun in Benin

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress in Edo State, Barrister Ken Imasuangbon, on Wednesday condemned what he described as rising political intolerance in the state, warning that Tuesday’s alleged attack on key opposition figures could trigger chaos and anarchy if not urgently addressed.

Imasuangbon was reacting to reports of an attack on the Benin residence of former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, where the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and other political stakeholders were said to be holding a closed door meeting.

Describing the incident as the height of political desperation and intimidation, the ADC stalwart called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rein in members of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State.

“It is deeply troubling that Edo State is witnessing this emerging wave of political intolerance. What happened on Tuesday is a prelude to chaos and anarchy if not checked,” he said.

Imasuangbon alleged that the attack bore the imprint of ruling party loyalists and insisted that such acts of political violence must be condemned by all lovers of democracy.

According to him, the news of the alleged attack on the ADC secretariat in Benin and the residence of Chief Odigie Oyegun, where prominent leaders including Peter Obi were meeting, came as a rude shock.

“It is embarrassing and unbecoming of a state with our democratic history,” he added.

Imasuangbon, popularly known as Riceman, warned against turning Edo State into a political battleground ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Edo State should not be turned into a political battlefield as 2027 approaches. We have gone past that era. Politics should be conducted freely and fairly,” he stated.

The former governorship aspirant also urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to rise to the occasion and ensure the maintenance of law and order.

“Governor Monday Okpebholo should stand firm and put his house in order. Edo deserves better. This is a time to showcase achievements in office, not to encourage miscreants to act as political enforcers,” he said.

He further lamented that the incident had caused reputational damage to Edo State.

“This is not the Edo State our founding fathers built. We must not allow desperation to destroy the democratic foundations they laid,” he added.