The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) have vowed to resist political violence and intimidation in Edo State ahead of the 2027 general elections, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly creating an atmosphere of fear for opposition parties.

The parties made their position known on Tuesday during a joint press conference in Benin City, where their leaders raised concerns over alleged attacks on party members, candidates, campaign materials and political structures.

A leader of the ADC and former Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, Dan Asekhame, said the opposition would no longer remain passive in the face of what he described as persistent attacks, victimisation and attempts to frustrate their political activities.

He warned against further escalation of political tensions but made a statement that underscored the seriousness of the parties’ concerns.

On Election Day, if they come with their voters’ cards, we will come with our voters’ cards. If they come with AK-47, we will come with AK-49,” Asekhame declared.

The statement has drawn attention to the rising concerns over political security in the state as parties begin preparations for the 2027 elections.

The Edo State Chairman of the NDC, Engr. David Olukoga, and his ADC counterpart, Tony Alile, alleged that opposition members, candidates and supporters had faced repeated attacks, harassment, threats and vandalism since political activities commenced.

Olukoga specifically cited the alleged vandalisation of the NDC secretariat in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area and the destruction of campaign billboards belonging to the party’s candidates, Hon. Bawa Mohammed Qaleeph and Hon. Frank Uyi Omosigho.

He also alleged that party members and political structures had been attacked in different parts of the state.

According to him, the joint briefing was organised to draw national and international attention to what he described as the ongoing suppression of opposition activities and the deliberate destruction of candidates’ campaign materials.

Olukoga warned that Edo’s political environment must not be destabilised to create an advantage for the ruling party during the elections.

“The political arena of Edo State must not be deliberately set ablaze to enable the ruling party to reap votes in the midst of orchestrated chaos,” he said.

The allegations were made by the opposition leaders at the press conference. The source report did not include a response from the APC to the accusations.

The ADC chairman, Tony Alile, also raised concerns over alleged attacks involving prominent figures in the party.

He referred to an incident involving former Edo State Governor and ADC leader, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and former presidential candidate, Dr Peter Obi, during which vehicles and other properties were reportedly damaged.

Alile further alleged that the residence of Professor Oseriemen Osunbor had been attacked and that ADC campaign materials were destroyed.

He also raised the case of Jerry Oliha, a young man reportedly shot during an attack on ADC chieftain Kenneth Imansuagbon in Igueben on October 6, 2026.

The opposition leaders presented the incidents as evidence of what they described as a troubling pattern of intimidation against their members and political supporters.

Despite their strong warnings, the ADC and NDC leaders said they remained committed to peaceful political engagement and would not resort to self-help.

They disclosed that complaints concerning the alleged incidents had already been submitted to the Commissioner of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The parties called for an immediate end to political violence, intimidation and the destruction of campaign materials.

They also urged political actors to exercise restraint in their public statements and called for impartial investigations into the reported attacks, with anyone found culpable prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The opposition parties further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain neutrality and ensure a level playing field for all political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

They stressed that candidates and supporters must be allowed to campaign freely without fear of harassment, threats or violence.

The press conference adds to growing political activity and tensions in Edo State as parties position themselves for the next general elections.

With the campaigns expected to intensify, the opposition’s concerns have renewed attention on the responsibility of security agencies, political parties and electoral authorities to protect democratic participation and ensure that political competition is conducted peacefully.

The allegations against the APC and the reported attacks remain claims made by the ADC and NDC leaders, and independent investigations will be necessary to establish responsibility.