The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben Federal Constituency, Hon. Louis Ebhodaghe, has condemned alleged attacks on opposition campaign materials across Edo State, declaring that intimidation and political violence will not deter the party from participating in the forthcoming elections.
Ebhodaghe made the remarks on Monday while addressing a joint press conference organised by the ADC and the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) in Benin City, where he expressed concern over what he described as sustained attacks on opposition billboards and campaign materials across the three federal constituencies.
He accused agents of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of being responsible for the destruction, describing the incidents as deliberate attempts to intimidate opposition parties and suppress democratic participation.
“Without any provocation, our billboards, our labours have been destroyed across the three federal constituencies,” Ebhodaghe stated. “This is an attempt to intimidate and silence the opposition, but we will not be intimidated.”
The ADC candidate disclosed that the incidents of violence and destruction had been formally reported to the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the party’s state secretariat for appropriate action.
Reaffirming his commitment to a peaceful electoral process, Ebhodaghe urged party supporters, members and other peace-loving residents of Edo State to remain calm, law-abiding and steadfast despite the alleged attacks.
He insisted that the opposition would not resort to violence or abandon its democratic aspirations, stressing that participation in the electoral process would be through legitimate and peaceful means.
“There will be no surrender, there will be no retreat. We have laboured, and our labours cannot be in vain. We are going to vote with our PVCs, we are not going to vote with AK-47,” he declared.
He further appealed to supporters not to allow themselves to be provoked, emphasising the need to protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure a peaceful election.
“We call on our supporters not to be provoked. We must ensure this election is peaceful. Despite their attempts to intimidate us, we will prevail. We will come out, we will vote, and we will protect our votes peacefully.”
Ebhodaghe also commended the leadership of the ADC and NDC for their solidarity in condemning political violence and defending democratic principles in Edo State.
He called on security agencies to discharge their responsibilities impartially and ensure adequate protection for all political candidates, party supporters and residents before, during and after the elections.
The ADC candidate maintained that political disagreements should be resolved through democratic engagement rather than violence, urging all stakeholders to uphold peace, tolerance and respect for the rule of law throughout the electoral process.
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