A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress and former Chief Whip of the Senate, Sir Rowland Owie, has distanced himself from the Tuesday attack on the Secretariat of the party and the residence of a national leader of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
The attacks happened after the 2024 Labour Party candidate, Olumide Akpata, was received into the party by Peter Obi, Odigie-Oyegun and other party officials.
The event at the ADC Secretariat was said to be proceeding peacefully until the leadership of the party was alerted to an imminent attack.
The event was quickly rounded off before the attack. However, the hoodlums also attacked Odigie-Oyegun’s house, where a meeting involving Obi and others in his camp was taking place.
A statement by Senator Owie on Wednesday read, “In all my political life since 1979, when I was first elected into the House of Representatives, I have never been involved in violent politics.
“I have built a career in dialogue, legislative integrity, and service. I would not begin to tarnish a four-decade legacy now.
” To suggest I would sponsor an attack on a gathering where my own brother, Chief Oyegun, and respected colleagues like Peter Obi were present is not just a lie—it is an insult to the intelligence of the Edo people.”
Recalled that on Monday, some chieftains of the party led by Owie protested their exclusion from a meeting in Odigie-Oyegun’s residence.
However, the state ADC Chairman, Kennedy Odion, blamed the All Progressive Congress for the attack.
Responding to the ADC’s allegation, APC chairman Jarret Tenebe blamed the attack on the factions within the ADC.
The PUNCH reported that the African Democratic Congress Edo State secretariat came under attack on Tuesday, hours after Obi welcomed LP Edo 2024 governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, into the party.
Suspected gunmen stormed the secretariat at Ogbelaka Street, off Sokponba Road, firing sporadically and destroying chairs, canopies, banners, and other property.
Some party members present at the secretariat sustained injuries.
They later moved to the residence of ADC National Leader, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, where gunshots were fired, and vehicles parked near the gate were damaged.
Dignitaries, including Obi, Akpata, Odigie-Oyegun, and Prof Oserhiemen Osunbor, were inside the residence at the time.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command on Wednesday said it has launched an investigation into the attack.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said, “Investigation has already been started by the police, no arrest has been made as at now, and we will communicate to you as the investigation progresses,” she said.
Stay ahead with the latest updates!
Join The Podium Media on WhatsApp for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
Chat with Us on WhatsApp
