Edo 2027: Attack On Opposition Billboard Heightens Fears, Threaten Participation  

Fears over political intimidation and shrinking space for opposition activities are mounting in Edo State following reported attacks on campaign billboards, banners and posters, raising concerns about the safety of political actors and the freedom to participate in electioneering ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Findings indicate that the destruction and defacement of campaign materials belonging to opposition parties have heightened political tension, with concerns that such incidents could discourage candidates and their supporters from freely expressing their political preferences.

The development has also renewed calls for security agencies to protect all political parties and ensure a level playing field for the forthcoming elections.

The latest incident involved the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), whose campaign office along Stadium Road in Benin City was reportedly attacked by suspected thugs.

According to the party, the attackers struck at about 10pm, vandalising campaign banners, posters and billboards. The party further alleged that the office was attacked again days after repairs had been carried out, with gun bullets reportedly found at the scene.

Reacting to the incident, the NDC candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency, Hon. Frank Omoigho, condemned the alleged use of political thugs to intimidate opponents, warning that such actions could undermine democratic participation.

He, however, commended Governor Monday Okpebholo’s efforts on security and urged the state government to ensure that the incidents did not damage Edo’s image.

Omoigho maintained that NDC members were law-abiding citizens who should be allowed to conduct their political activities without intimidation.

“As a party and person, I am not going to take it lightly with them. I dare anybody to come again because this is a campaign office and we are law-abiding citizens,” he said, expressing concern over the repeated attacks.

Also reacting, a social commentator, Comrade Gbale, condemned the alleged attacks, arguing that democracy required political actors to allow voters to make their choices freely.

He alleged that the incidents were intended to destabilise Omoigho’s political activities, insisting that candidates should be judged on their popularity, programmes and acceptance by the electorate rather than through intimidation.

In bid to foster a healthy democratic environment,  the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, Dr Paddy Iyamu, has pledged to replace campaign materials belonging to Omoigho that were destroyed.

Iyamu, a former Edo State Commissioner for Education, made the pledge  during a meeting with members of the Benin Journalists Forum in Benin City, describing the destruction of opponents’ campaign materials as unnecessary and unacceptable in a democratic society.

Iyamu urged politicians and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns, stressing that political competition should not degenerate into hostility or the destruction of opponents’ materials.

He said voters should assess candidates based on their records, policies and impact on society, while warning that attacks on campaign materials could heighten tension and undermine citizens’ participation in the electoral process.