The 2027 political battle in Edo State took a dangerous turn on Tuesday as former governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Imasuangbon, the party’s Edo Central senatorial candidate, Herberta Okonofua, and other party leaders reportedly escaped unhurt when suspected political thugs attacked their convoy in Igueben Local Government Area.
Key Highlights
- Kenneth Imasuangbon and ADC senatorial candidate Herberta Okonofua reportedly escaped an attack on their convoy in Igueben.
- The ADC alleged that suspected APC loyalists were behind the attack.
- An ADC supporter, identified as Jerry Oliha, reportedly sustained gunshot injuries.
- The party said the incident was the third alleged attack on the convoy in Igueben on Tuesday.
- Igueben Local Government Chairman Endurance Azemegbe denied involvement in the attack.
- Edo State Police said they could not immediately confirm the incident but would investigate after a formal report.
The ADC alleged that the attackers were suspected political loyalists of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and claimed they were led by the Igueben Local Government Council Chairman, Endurance Azemegbe.
The party also alleged that an ADC supporter, identified as Jerry Oliha, sustained gunshot injuries during the incident.
The attack reportedly occurred while ADC leaders were engaged in political activities in the area. According to the party, it was the third alleged shooting involving the convoy within Igueben Local Government Area, following earlier incidents in Wards 4 and 5.
ADC Alleges Attack on Imasuangbon’s Convoy
The latest incident has raised fresh concerns over political tensions in Edo State as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Chris Ojeikere, the ADC alleged that the attack formed part of a wider pattern of violence targeting opposition members and facilities across the state.
The party cited similar alleged incidents in Etsako East, Owan West and Owan East local government areas.
The ADC said Oliha was shot at the premises of the Enogie of Igueben and subsequently rushed to Irrua Specialist Hospital, where doctors were reportedly treating him for his injuries.
The party also alleged that its convoy had come under attack earlier in Ward 4 and Ward 5 of Igueben Local Government Area.
ADC Blames Suspected APC Supporters
The ADC alleged that the Igueben council chairman led the group of armed attackers responsible for the incident.
The party said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Igueben had been informed about the incident and called for a comprehensive investigation into what it described as a pattern of political violence.
The ADC said it would release further details on the alleged attacks and what it described as violence against opposition members and supporters.
Igueben Council Chairman Denies Involvement
However, Azemegbe denied any involvement in the alleged attack when contacted.
The council chairman said he was not in Igueben when the incident occurred and only became aware of it after receiving inquiries from journalists.
“I was not around and I don’t know what happened. I am just hearing this from you,” he said.
Azemegbe said he would investigate the matter, adding that he could not comment authoritatively on an incident he did not witness.
He described the allegation as strange and maintained that residents of Igueben were peaceful.
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Edo Police Yet to Confirm Attack
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the command could not immediately confirm the reported attack.
She said the police would wade into the matter once it was formally reported.
The incident comes amid heightened political activity in Edo State ahead of the 2027 general elections and has renewed concerns over the safety of political candidates, party supporters and campaign teams.
Security agencies are expected to investigate the allegations and establish the circumstances surrounding the reported shooting.
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