Election documents: Armed thugs attack PDP secretariat in Edo
The secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benin City, Edo State, was recently attacked by armed thugs suspected to be affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The attack caused chaos in the city as the assailants stormed the Edo State PDP Secretariat on Airport Road, forcing traders and shop owners to flee for their safety.
Witnesses report that the attackers, led by a man identified as Kapuepue—who is the younger brother of APC Youth Leader Tony Kabaka—arrived chanting war songs and firing sporadically into the air.
The thugs reportedly destroyed banners and billboards outside the building before overpowering the security personnel and gaining access to the premises. Inside the secretariat, they assaulted staff members, vandalized property, and stole valuables. They also smashed doors and windows, ransacked offices, and carted away computers, printers, and numerous bags filled with files and documents.
“They said PDP is dead, and that no one should come back here or they’ll kill us next time,” said Ruth, an administrative officer at the secretariat. “They came looking for original copies of our election petition evidence, but they didn’t find any. All they took were photocopies and other documents.”
The attack is believed to be connected to the ongoing legal battle over the results of the September 21 governorship election. PDP leaders have accused the APC of orchestrating the violence to intimidate them and disrupt the party’s case at the election tribunal.
PDP Youth Leader Andrew Enantomhen described the attack as a desperate move by APC supporters. “They have temporarily stolen our mandate and are now trying to cover their tracks. Why are they looking for documents? The case has already been filed in court. Justice will prevail in Edo State,” he said.
Enantomhen also urged the police to restore order, warning that the PDP’s supporters may be forced to take action if the violence continues.
Reacting to the incident, Chris Osa Nehikhare, the Publicity Secretary of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, condemned the attack, calling it a desperate attempt by the APC to frustrate the party’s efforts to reclaim its mandate from the September 21 election.
“If the APC is confident that they won the election fairly, why are they mobilizing thugs to attack the PDP Secretariat?” Nehikhare asked. “The PDP remains determined and will not be intimidated in its pursuit of justice and the restoration of our mandate.”
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