Nigeria’s political temperature rose sharply on Wednesday after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of operating like a “terrorist organisation” following an alleged gun attack on prominent opposition figures in Edo State.
In a strongly worded statement, the ADC claimed that shots were fired at its secretariat and at the residence of a former national chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun, during a visit to the state by key opposition leaders. Those named include former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Edo governorship candidate Olumide Akpata. Edo State Police Command confirmed that gunshots were reported at the locations and said investigations were ongoing.
The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the incidents as part of what he called a “dangerous and escalating pattern of political intimidation and terror.” He alleged that the attacks were politically motivated and accused the APC of fostering an atmosphere of fear aimed at silencing opposition voices.
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“This is not random violence,” Abdullahi said. “It bears the unmistakable marks of organised political intimidation. Nigeria is not a private estate, and Edo State is not the personal property of any party or any governor.”
The opposition party singled out Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, accusing him of contributing to the tension through what it described as inflammatory rhetoric. The ADC cited an earlier statement attributed to the governor in which he reportedly said he could not guarantee Peter Obi’s safety during political activities in the state. According to the ADC, such comments embolden violence and undermine democratic norms.
Escalating the dispute, the ADC said it is compiling a dossier of alleged “acts of terrorism” linked to the APC and plans to submit the material to diplomatic missions as well as the ECOWAS Court of Human Rights. The party vowed it would not be intimidated and warned that continued violence against opposition figures could have regional and international consequences.
As of Wednesday evening, the APC had not issued an official response to the allegations.
The accusations mark one of the most aggressive rhetorical attacks by an opposition party against the ruling party in recent years. Edo State has a long history of intense political rivalry, with past elections often marred by violence, intimidation and legal disputes. Analysts note that while the facts surrounding the reported gunshots are still under investigation, the language used by the ADC signals a worrying hardening of political positions.
For the APC, the claims come at a sensitive time as it seeks to project stability, reform and control amid economic and security challenges nationwide. For the ADC, the choice of language carries risks, potentially alienating moderate voters who may share concerns about political violence but reject extreme rhetoric.
Beyond party politics, the episode highlights the fragile state of Nigeria’s democratic culture. With the 2027 general elections approaching, observers warn that rising hostility, threats and distrust could further shrink the space for peaceful political engagement.
Whether the Edo incidents turn out to be coordinated political attacks or isolated criminal acts will be determined by investigators. What is already clear, however, is that Nigeria’s political climate is becoming increasingly volatile, a trend that raises serious questions about the future of democratic competition and public trust in the system.
