APC Seizes Secretariat From PDP in Edo State

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of forcefully taking over its Secretariat along Airport Road on Thursday. The PDP described the incident as “criminal trespass, breaking, stealing, and malicious damage.”

In a press conference on Friday, PDP Chairman Caretaker Committee, Dr. Tony Azeigbemi, said the Secretariat remains the official office of the PDP. He also challenged the APC to provide evidence of its seven-year claim to the property.

Azeigbemi described the takeover as violent, lasting over an hour, with severe damage to the office, including the destruction of banners and materials. He claimed he was forcibly removed from his office with the help of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, during a physical assault.

Azeigbemi also criticised the slow response from security agencies, saying it took over an hour for the police to arrive, despite raising the alarm earlier.

“This is one of the worst attacks on democracy in Nigeria since 1999,” Azeigbemi said.

The PDP’s accusations come amidst growing tensions in the state, following the swearing-in of Governor Okpebholo in November 2024. The APC has not yet responded to the allegations.