Edo State, Nigeria – Campaign efforts for Senator Monday Okpebholo, the governorship candidate from the All Progressives Congress (APC), have reportedly been disrupted again following an alleged violent attack during a rally in Etsako Central local government area. This incident marks a worrying recurrence of violence in the buildup to the highly anticipated gubernatorial election scheduled for September 21.
According to the campaign’s media team, the attack unfolded rapidly as the APC team arrived at Ugbekpe Ekperi Ward 6, having successfully completed rallies in nearby Anegbette and Udaba. The assailants reportedly targeted campaign vehicles and some supporters sustained injuries in the chaos. This incident is the latest in a series of disruptions that have plagued Okpebholo’s gubernatorial campaign, raising serious concerns about the state of security in the region.
This series of violent episodes began with a tragic incident in Benin City that resulted in the death of Inspector Akor Onu, a security officer assigned to the APC’s campaign. The violence continued with another attack in Akoko Edo where campaign vehicles were destroyed. These repeated assaults have not only endangered the lives of those involved in the political process but have also heightened tensions among the electorate.
The APC supporters have voiced their frustration and fear, urging law enforcement agencies to provide better protection. The urgency for increased security measures is palpable, with many calling for a peaceful environment to ensure a fair and democratic electoral process.
In response to these attacks, the APC campaign has issued a strong condemnation, labeling the violence as a direct threat to democracy. They have appealed to the Edo State government and electoral authorities to take decisive action to prevent any further escalation and to ensure the safety and security of all political participants.
Political analysts suggest that these recurrent attacks could cast a shadow over the upcoming election, potentially influencing voter turnout and confidence in the electoral process. The situation in Edo State reflects a broader issue of electoral violence which has been a persistent problem in many regions across the country, undermining democratic principles and stalling political development.
It is critical for the Edo State authorities to address these issues promptly. Ensuring a safe electoral process not only affects the immediate environment but also sets a precedent for handling similar situations in the future, which is crucial for the stability and progress of democracy in Nigeria.