Tensions escalate in Edo as suspected thugs disrupt the governorship election tribunal with gunshots. APC and PDP trade blame amid public outrage and security concerns.
BENIN COTY, Edo State — In an alarming turn of events, Benin City, the bustling heart of Edo State, was plunged into chaos on Wednesday as gunshots shattered the relative calm near the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal. The incident, unfolding on Reservation Street near Ezoti Junction, adjacent to the High Court complex, has escalated the already intense political rivalry between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A viral video circulated widely on social media captures the chilling scene: a youth donning a cap emblazoned with the PDP logo, brazenly loading a pump-action rifle. Emerging from an unregistered white Toyota Hilux van, he fired multiple shots into the air, sending bystanders scattering in fear.
The echoes of gunfire reportedly reverberated into the tribunal premises, disrupting proceedings and sowing panic among all present. Startlingly, armed policemen stationed nearby appeared to take no action, leaving the public questioning the efficacy of law enforcement in the face of such brazen violence.
A Fractured Peace at the Tribunal
The tribunal—a critical venue for adjudicating the contentious Edo Governorship election—has been a focal point of political tension since the polls concluded. Wednesday’s shooting incident has cast a long shadow over the judicial process, raising questions about the safety of legal practitioners, witnesses, and the public.
Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of lawlessness. “The gunshots were deafening,” recounted a local shopkeeper who chose to remain anonymous. “People ran in all directions. It’s terrifying to think this could happen right outside a court.”
The assailant, reportedly shouting, “Give us our mandate,” was joined by another individual before both fled the scene in the Hilux van, leaving chaos in their wake.
This shocking display of violence has prompted a war of words between the APC and PDP, each accusing the other of orchestrating the attack to undermine the tribunal’s integrity.
APC’s Outcry: A Call for Justice
Jarrett Tenebe, the Chairman of the APC in Edo State, was unequivocal in his condemnation of the incident. “Today’s shooting incident near the Governorship Election Tribunal in Benin City involving members of the opposition PDP is deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” Tenebe declared in a press briefing.
He characterised the attack as an affront to the sanctity of the legal process, emphasising the tribunal’s role as a neutral arbiter of justice. “The tribunal is a sacred space where justice should be administered impartially. Any act of violence within its precinct undermines our legal system and endangers everyone involved,” he added.
Tenebe further called on law enforcement agencies to act decisively. “The authorities must ensure that those responsible for this reprehensible act are brought to justice. The APC remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice prevails,” he concluded.
PDP’s Counterclaim: A Conspiracy Unveiled?
In a swift rebuttal, Tony Aziegbemi, the Acting Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo State, dismissed the APC’s allegations as baseless. He accused the APC of orchestrating the violence, alleging that their thugs disguised themselves in PDP-branded attire to mislead the public and disrupt tribunal proceedings.
“The APC, scared of justice, has continued its devious ploy to frustrate the PDP from reclaiming the mandate given to us by Edo people in the last governorship election,” Aziegbemi stated.
He maintained that the PDP had issued a clear directive for its supporters to avoid the tribunal premises, anticipating potential provocations from the APC.
Aziegbemi expressed disappointment over the inaction of law enforcement personnel who failed to apprehend the assailant despite his face being visible in the viral video.
“This is a glaring failure of our security agencies,” he lamented. “We call on the police to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of this heinous act.”
A Political Powder Keg
The clash between the APC and PDP over the shooting incident highlights the deep-seated animosity that has characterised Edo politics in recent years. Both parties have repeatedly accused each other of electoral malfeasance, stoking tensions that now threaten to spiral out of control.
Analysts warn that the incident is symptomatic of a broader crisis in Nigeria’s political landscape, where electoral disputes often devolve into violence. The tribunal’s ability to function impartially is now under scrutiny, with public confidence in the judicial process hanging by a thread.
Security Lapses and Governance Failures
The apparent inaction of police officers during the shooting has drawn widespread criticism. Citizens and civil society groups have called for an independent investigation into the security lapses that allowed such an incident to occur unchallenged.
Dr. Ifeanyi Okonkwo, a political analyst, described the situation as “a damning indictment of our security architecture.” He added, “When law enforcement fails to respond to blatant acts of violence, it emboldens perpetrators and undermines public trust in government institutions.”
The Road Ahead: Justice or Chaos?
As the tribunal resumes its proceedings, the stakes could not be higher. The outcome of the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal is not just about determining the rightful winner of the election; it is a litmus test for Nigeria’s democracy and its ability to resolve disputes through lawful means.
Observers urge all stakeholders to prioritise peace and respect the rule of law. However, with both the APC and PDP entrenched in their positions, a resolution appears increasingly elusive.
Additional report by: Osaigbovo Okungbowa
Atlantic Post Senior Political Correspondent.
