NDC Candidates Accuse APC Supporters Of Intimidation, Seek Security Agencies’ Intervention
Candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Edo State have called on Governor Monday Okpebholo and security agencies to intervene in what they described as growing cases of political intimidation, harassment and obstruction of opposition activities in the state.
The candidates made the appeal on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, during a world press conference in Benin City, where they alleged that members and supporters of the opposition party had been subjected to intimidation by suspected political thugs allegedly linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the NDC candidates, opposition billboards and campaign materials had been pulled down, while party members and supporters allegedly faced bullying, harassment and other forms of intimidation. They also cited alleged restrictions on access to campaign venues as part of the challenges confronting their political activities.
Those present at the press conference included Mrs. Iseme Maria Oisamoje, NDC senatorial candidate for Edo North; Mr. John Yakubu; Hon. Charity Aiguobawheghian; Hon. Murphy Osaro; Prof. Grant; the party's South-South Publicity Secretary, Dr. Isaiah Osifo; the Edo State NDC chairman; and other party stakeholders.
The candidates appealed to Governor Okpebholo to intervene by calling on members of his party and anyone allegedly involved in the incidents to desist from actions capable of undermining peaceful political participation.
They also urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to investigate the allegations and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
The NDC representatives stressed that political competition should be guided by democratic principles, respect for opposing views and the right of political parties to campaign freely without fear of violence or intimidation.
They warned that if the alleged incidents were allowed to continue unchecked, they could heighten political tensions in Edo State and undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
The candidates further challenged the APC in the state to engage the electorate through its policies, achievements, programmes and plans for development, arguing that political parties should compete on the strength of their records and proposals rather than through acts of intimidation.
Reaffirming their commitment to democratic participation, the NDC candidates maintained that opposition parties and their supporters should be able to exercise their constitutional rights to freedom of association, expression and peaceful political participation without fear of harassment or obstruction.
They also stated that the party reserved the right to protect its members and supporters through lawful means.
The press conference ended with a call for a peaceful, inclusive and fair political environment in Edo State, where all political parties could present their candidates, programmes and manifestoes to the electorate without intimidation.
The NDC candidates maintained that the credibility of the democratic process depends on ensuring that political competition is determined by ideas, public trust and the free choice of voters rather than violence or the destruction of campaign materials.
