Alleged assassination attempt on ADC leaders genocide against political parties — Okonkwo
Alleged Assassination Attempt on ADC Leaders Called Genocide by Party Official
Kenneth Okonkwo, a lawyer and member of the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has condemned a recent attack on party leaders in Benin City, labeling it an assassination attempt and an act of “genocide against political opponents.”
In an interview broadcast on ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Okonkwo suggested that the individuals behind the attack were connected to government authorities.
“This was an assassination attempt by individuals I would characterize as either government officials or their agents. It constitutes genocide against political opponents,” he stated.
Okonkwo further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to undermine opposition parties in a bid to establish a one-party system in Nigeria.
“This government has begun actions that could be described as genocide against political parties. You may have heard discussions indicating a shift toward a one-party state, which appears to be orchestrated by the APC to eliminate competition,” he said.
He emphasized that the ADC, recently established, remains a target for attacks aimed at intimidating opposition leaders. “Having failed to eliminate all political parties, their only current strategy is to physically remove opposition leaders. This was a premeditated attack,” Okonkwo added.
Regarding casualties, he noted that while there were injuries, there were no confirmed fatalities at the time of the interview. “We cannot assert that there were any deaths, but there were injuries. We are still awaiting casualty figures as this occurred today,” he said.
The attack occurred in the presence of three former governors: John Odigie-Oyegun, Oserheimen Osunbor, and Peter Obi. Okonkwo remarked on the lack of security provided at the event, stating, “It is telling that three former governors were present, and yet the federal and state governments failed to ensure their safety.”
He accused officials of withdrawing security arrangements for the leaders, which he believes enabled the attack. “Without security present, the attack was possible. That’s why I continue to use the term genocide,” Okonkwo said.
He noted that the incident has been officially reported to law enforcement. According to Okonkwo, Odigie-Oyegun informed him that the Commissioner of Police visited him following the attack. “They reported the incident. Oyegun told me the Commissioner of Police was generous enough to visit, but what remains unclear is what actions will follow,” he added.
The ADC continues to monitor the situation as inquiries are expected to unfold.
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