Senator Rowland Owie, a senior figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Chief Whip of the Senate, has firmly rejected what he described as “baseless and malicious” claims linking him to the disruption of Tuesday’s political meeting of ADC leaders in Edo State.
In a statement issued in Benin, Owie dismissed allegations suggesting his involvement in attacks on former national chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Lagos State governorship candidate Olumide Akpata. He described the claims as false and accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to deflect blame for the actions of what he termed its “organised thugs.”
According to Owie, the incident occurred while he was actively participating in the meeting at the ADC secretariat as a keynote speaker, addressing party leaders and guests, including Chief Odigie-Oyegun, whom he identified as a maternal relative, as well as Peter Obi and other party stakeholders.
He explained that the meeting progressed peacefully until security operatives alerted party leaders that individuals allegedly affiliated with the APC were mobilising to attack the venue. “In the interest of caution and to guarantee the safety of all dignitaries and attendees, the leadership decided to immediately bring the meeting to a close,” he said.
Owie further alleged that the incident marked the third time ADC gatherings had been targeted by APC-aligned elements, followed by what he described as a recurring strategy of “victim-blaming.”
“This is a desperate attempt to gaslight the public and derail the growing momentum of the ADC in Edo State,” he stated.
Recounting his political career, Owie stressed that he has never been associated with political violence. “Since 1979, when I was first elected into the House of Representatives, I have built my public life on dialogue, legislative integrity, and service. I will not soil a four-decade legacy now,” he said.
“To suggest that I would sponsor an attack at a gathering attended by my own brother, Chief Oyegun, and respected colleagues like Peter Obi is not only false—it is an insult to the intelligence of the Edo people,” he added.
The senator reaffirmed the ADC’s commitment to peaceful and issue-based politics, urging security agencies to focus on investigating those responsible for the disruption. He specifically called on the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, to probe the activities of those allegedly involved rather than acting on what he described as fabricated petitions.
“I and the ADC will not be intimidated,” Owie declared. “Our mission remains clear: to offer a credible and responsible alternative for the governance of Edo State.”
Describing himself as a veteran legislator and elder statesman, Owie said he remains committed to the pursuit of democratic accountability, transparency, and grassroots development in Edo State and across Nigeria.
