Attack on African Democratic Congress Leaders Decried as Assassination Attempt
In a shocking turn of events, Kenneth Okonkwo, a lawyer and member of the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has condemned a recent assault on party leaders in Benin City, describing it as an assassination attempt and a form of “genocide against political opponents.” The attack, which has fueled concerns over the safety of opposition members in Nigeria, raises troubling questions about the state of political discourse in the country.
Okonkwo spoke out during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, asserting that those responsible for the attack had connections to government figures. “This was an assassination attempt by individuals I would classify as government officials or their agents,” he stated emphatically. “This constitutes genocide against political opponents,” he added, reflecting a deep sense of urgency regarding the attack’s implications for democracy in Nigeria.
The ADC leader further claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is actively working to dismantle opposition parties in an effort to establish a one-party system. “This government has started to implement measures that resemble genocide against political parties,” Okonkwo alleged. He expressed concern over statements made by government officials suggesting a drift towards a one-party state, asserting that the APC is at the forefront of this orchestrated attempt to eliminate competition.
The lawyer noted the ADC’s resilience, remarking that despite attempts to undermine opposition parties, the ADC recently emerged as a formidable political force. “Having failed to completely eradicate all political parties, the APC’s current strategy seems to be aimed at intimidating opposition leaders,” Okonkwo warned.
In terms of casualties, he confirmed that while there were injuries reported during the incident, as of his interview, no fatalities had been confirmed. “We cannot say that any deaths occurred, but there were injuries sustained. We are still gathering information about the situation,” he stated.
The incident reportedly took place when three former governors, including John Odigie-Oyegun, Oserheimen Osunbor, and Peter Obi, were present at the venue. Okonkwo highlighted that the failure to provide adequate security for such high-profile individuals raises serious concerns. “It is very telling that three former governors were at that event, yet the federal and state governments could not ensure their safety,” he lamented.
He pointed to a withdrawal of security details for the former governors, which he believes made the attack possible. “They removed the security personnel assigned to John Oyegun and others. Had security been present, this attack would not have occurred. That’s why I termed it genocide,” Okonkwo asserted.
Following the attack, the incident was formally reported to law enforcement, with Odigie-Oyegun indicating that the Commissioner of Police visited him after the ordeal. However, Okonkwo expressed skepticism about potential follow-up actions. “They reported the incident. Oyegun informed me that the Commissioner of Police was gracious enough to visit him, but what remains unclear is what actions will be taken next,” he remarked.
The alarming nature of the attack has ignited a broader discourse about the precarious situation for political opposition in Nigeria. As the ADC attempts to carve out its space in a fraught political landscape, incidents like these highlight the pressing need for protection and support for political diversity.
As tensions rise, all eyes will be on how both government authorities and civil society respond to this incident and the implications it holds for the future of democracy in Nigeria.
— Reported by Nexio News
