ADC Heads to ECOWAS Court Over Edo Attack, Accuses APC and Governor of Incitement

Story: Written by springnewsng February 26,2026
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced plans to sue the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the ECOWAS Court of Justice following a violent attack on Peter Obi and other opposition leaders in Benin City.
In a statement on Wednesday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the party is documenting what it described as systematic attacks on opposition figures, which it plans to submit alongside its court action to diplomatic missions across West Africa.
The ADC directly accused Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo of making comments that allegedly fueled the violence. According to the party, the governor had publicly stated ahead of Obi’s visit that he could not guarantee the former presidential candidate’s safety in the state—a remark the ADC now views as deliberate provocation rather than a passing comment.
The party further alleged that the governor accused ADC members of sponsoring cult activities and threatened to demolish properties belonging to opposition figures in the state. Abdullahi insisted that no individual or party has ownership over Nigeria or Edo State, warning against the misuse of state power to silence political opponents.
The attack reportedly occurred shortly after Obi and senior ADC members returned from the party’s secretariat, where they had formally welcomed Olumide Akpata into the ADC. Armed men allegedly followed the convoy to the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun, fired shots at the gate, and vandalised several vehicles. Images shared online showed bullet holes in the gate and shattered windscreens.
Abdullahi warned that any further attacks on ADC leaders or members would be blamed on what he described as an atmosphere of official hostility. He said the party would exhaust all legal avenues to protect its members, while urging supporters to remain calm and continue their political activities without fear.