Ovia North East APC Accused Of Attacking NDC Candidates At Oluku Market
Tension reportedly erupted at Oluku Market in Edo State when three candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), who visited to sympathise with traders affected by a recent devastating fire, were allegedly attacked by suspected youths affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The affected candidates were Hon. Murphy Osarobo Omoruyi, NDC candidate for Egor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; Hon. Charity Iguodala Aiguobarueghian, the party’s candidate for Ovia Federal Constituency; and Hon. Uyi Frank Omosigho.
The candidates were reportedly at the market to express solidarity with traders who lost goods and livelihoods in the fire incident, with a proposed donation intended to support the affected victims.
According to accounts from the scene, the visit allegedly turned chaotic following an attack attributed to suspected APC youths, reportedly led by the party’s youth leader, Mr. Lucky Omokaro, popularly known as Miliki.
NDC sympathisers and some market women were said to have stood their ground in defence of the visiting candidates amid the reported confrontation.
The alleged incident has raised concerns about political tolerance and the freedom of political actors to engage with residents and offer assistance to communities affected by disasters.
The visit was reportedly intended to provide encouragement and support to traders struggling to recover from the losses caused by the fire. However, the alleged confrontation has raised questions about the extent to which political differences could interfere with humanitarian efforts.
Political observers maintain that support for victims of disasters should transcend party affiliations, particularly when affected traders are working to rebuild their businesses and restore their livelihoods.
Democratic principles also guarantee citizens the right to associate freely, express political opinions and engage with communities without intimidation or violence.
As of the time of filing this report, the allegations had not been independently verified, and no response from the APC leadership or the individuals accused of involvement in the incident was included in the account.
Elections are not war, and political differences should never be an excuse for violence or intimidation.
