The simmering political tension in Edo State, Nigeria, has escalated with the forceful takeover of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This action, described by the PDP as an assault on democracy and a blatant disregard for the rule of law, has further fueled the ongoing power struggle between the two major political parties in the state. The PDP has called upon President Bola Tinubu to intervene and restore order, accusing the APC of acting with impunity and undermining the democratic process.
The controversy surrounding the secretariat, located at 59 Airport Road, Benin City, stems from Governor Godwin Obaseki’s defection from the APC to the PDP in 2020. Following his disqualification from contesting the governorship election under the APC banner, Obaseki switched allegiance to the PDP, subsequently leading to the party’s occupation of the building, which originally served as the APC secretariat. The recent takeover by the APC, despite existing court orders restraining such action and directing a return to the status quo, has ignited a fresh wave of political conflict.
The PDP has vehemently condemned the APC’s actions, characterizing them as a dangerous precedent that threatens the very foundations of Nigeria’s democracy. Timothy Osadolor, the PDP National Deputy Youth Leader, has accused the ruling party of repeatedly flouting the law and disregarding court judgments. He asserts that the APC’s behavior mirrors a broader pattern of disregard for legal processes, citing President Tinubu’s alleged disregard for the laws of the land as an example. Osadolor warns that such actions could incite widespread unrest if left unchecked, emphasizing the growing frustration among the populace with the perceived erosion of democratic norms.
The PDP’s appeal to President Tinubu for intervention underscores the gravity of the situation. They contend that the president, as the commander-in-chief, has a responsibility to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that all political actors operate within the bounds of the constitution. By calling on Tinubu to rein in his party, the PDP is essentially accusing the president of either condoning or failing to prevent the APC’s unlawful actions. This appeal, however, has yet to elicit a response from the presidency, further heightening the tension and uncertainty surrounding the situation.
While seeking presidential intervention, the PDP has also pursued legal avenues, reporting the matter to various security agencies. Despite assurances from these agencies that the situation is under control, the PDP expresses skepticism about their effectiveness, citing the APC’s continued defiance of court orders. This perceived inaction by law enforcement agencies adds another layer of complexity to the conflict, raising concerns about the impartiality and effectiveness of state institutions in upholding the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the PDP has urged its members in Edo State to remain calm and avoid any actions that could escalate the conflict. This call for restraint reflects the party’s desire to avoid further violence and chaos, opting instead to pursue legal and political channels to resolve the dispute. Despite the escalating tensions, the PDP remains hopeful that the situation will eventually de-escalate, expressing confidence in the eventual triumph of justice and the restoration of democratic norms. The party’s leadership believes that this period of political turmoil is temporary and that normalcy will eventually be restored. However, the lack of immediate response from the presidency and the APC’s continued occupation of the secretariat suggest that the conflict is far from over and could potentially escalate further.
