The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) linking it to the recent shooting incident in Edo State, describing the allegations as baseless and reckless.
In a statement on Thursday, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka called for a full investigation into the matter, urging law enforcement to scrutinize the ADC and its leaders as prime suspects, while reaffirming the party’s commitment to law, order, and national security.
The incident occurred on Tuesday during an ADC event in Edo State, where gunshots were fired, endangering former Governor John Oyegun, 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate Olumide Akpata, and several others.
On Wednesday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi blamed the APC for the attack, alleging it reflects a pattern of political intimidation against opposition parties.
The APC, however, denied any involvement, describing the incident as self-inflicted. The statement read:
The African Democratic Congress is, undoubtedly, its own nemesis. It needs no external help to achieve its political demise. The party is doing a good job crippling itself even before it has time to stand on its feet. The ADC and its leaders are insufferable jesters, weaponizing dark humour to deceive, distract, and disrupt in a desperate bid for public sympathy.
Claiming the APC is responsible for the Edo shooting is utterly delusional. Accusing our party before any official investigation shows the ADC’s lack of focus and disregard for due process. Nigerians must wonder how a party that cannot handle a single incident with maturity can be trusted with the country’s security challenges.
The APC described the ADC’s claim of “acts of terrorism by the ruling APC against our party” as reckless and unfounded.
This accusation reveals the ADC as a confused and desperate party, out of touch with Nigeria’s security realities and insensitive to the sacrifices of our troops. Violence in politics is unacceptable and must be condemned. We call on law enforcement to investigate the incident thoroughly, beginning with the ADC, its leaders, and members as primary suspects, given their internal factional clashes and violent confrontations.
The party reiterated that President Bola Tinubu and the APC remain focused on building a stronger, more resilient, and prosperous Nigeria.
The APC had no role in the unfortunate Edo State shooting. Our attention is on recent electoral victories in the FCT, Rivers, and Kano states. Meanwhile, the ADC should reflect on its repeated poor performance in past and recent elections. We remain grateful to Nigerians for their continued support and reaffirm our commitment to national development under President Tinubu’s leadership.