The African Democratic Congress has said it will take the All-Progressives Congress before the Economic Community of West African States Court of Justice, following a reported attack on its leaders and party facilities in Benin City, Edo State.
The reported incidents occurred on February 24, 2026, shortly after a political event in Benin City involving ADC leaders and the formal reception of Olumide Akpata into the party.
Police confirmed that suspected political hoodlums disrupted the party’s secretariat, chased attendees away, and caused property damage. No casualties were reported and the situation was brought under control with police presence.
The ADC has linked the violence to similar actions it says are affecting opposition political activities in the country. Previous reports by the party referenced threats and reported disruption prior to the incidents.
In a statement in Abuja, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party condemns a gun attack and what it described as an assassination attempt against former Edo State governor John Odigie-Oyegun, national leader Peter Obi, and others.
He said the party plans to pursue all lawful options, including presenting its case before the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
Abdullahi said the party is compiling cases of what it characterised as acts of political intimidation and terror. He said the party would submit reports to various diplomatic missions and the ECOWAS Court of Human Rights.
The ADC statement described the reported attack as part of a pattern of political intimidation that has targeted its members across different parts of the country.
Police in Edo State confirmed that after a gathering at the ADC State Secretariat concluded, a group of suspected hoodlums disrupted the premises, chased people away, and damaged canopies and chairs. Security personnel responded to the distress call, and the suspects fled the scene.
The ADC’s stated intention to take legal action before the ECOWAS Court of Justice reflects an escalation in how the party seeks to address reported attacks on its members and facilities.
If pursued, the case could involve regional judicial processes addressing political rights and protection.
The reported incidents and planned legal action occur amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and security agencies addressing concerns about political gatherings and safety.
