The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned what it described as politically motivated actions by the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, accusing him of using government power to harass and intimidate opposition figures.
The party made these claims in response to alleged plans by the Edo State Government to demolish properties belonging to key PDP members.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, described the planned demolitions as unwarranted, illegal, and a clear instance of political victimisation.
According to Aziegbemi, the properties in question belong to Hon. Marcus Onobun, a member of the House of Representatives representing Esan West, Esan Central, and Igueben Federal Constituency, and Hon. Collins Aigbogun, the Executive Chairman of Esan West Local Government Council.
The PDP leadership alleged that these demolition threats were part of a broader campaign of oppression and political witch-hunt targeted at silencing the opposition and intimidating political rivals in the state.
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The statement accused the governor of misusing his office and weaponising state legislation to unjustly punish those affiliated with the opposition.
The party emphasized that there were no legal grounds for the demolitions, stating that the Anti-Cultism Law referenced by the government requires a valid conviction from a competent court before any property can be seized or demolished. As of now, neither Onobun nor Aigbogun has been convicted of any crime, the PDP stated. The accusations against them, according to the party, are baseless and have not been substantiated through due legal process.
Describing the governor’s actions as a violation of constitutional rights, the PDP argued that Nigeria is a democracy governed by the rule of law, not executive discretion. The statement warned that targeting individuals through administrative actions without court backing is a direct threat to democratic principles and sets a dangerous precedent for political governance across the country.
The party called on the Edo State Government to immediately stop all plans related to the demolition of the targeted properties. It urged the government to respect the legal rights and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, and to operate within the framework of the law. The PDP also appealed to civil society groups, the wider public, and the international community to speak out against what it described as an abuse of power and a deliberate act of political persecution.
Further in the statement, the PDP issued a stern warning to law enforcement agents, bulldozer operators, and equipment owners who might be involved in the planned demolitions. The party reminded them that they do not enjoy the constitutional immunity afforded to the governor and could be held personally liable for executing unlawful orders, especially in the absence of a valid court order authorizing such actions.
The party accused the governor of intolerance toward dissent and insisted that his administration’s energy should be redirected toward promoting good governance, inclusivity, and the welfare of the people of Edo State, rather than using state power to settle political scores.
Concluding the statement, the PDP reiterated its demand for an immediate cessation of what it termed “vindictive demolitions,” adding that political victimisation under any guise must be condemned and resisted to preserve Nigeria’s democracy. The party affirmed its commitment to defending its members and maintaining its presence as a credible opposition force in the state.
