The recent shooting incident at the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal in Benin has sparked a heated blame game between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This violent disruption, which occurred during tribunal proceedings, has raised concerns about the safety and sanctity of the judicial process in Nigeria.
Gunmen, suspected to be political thugs, stormed the tribunal shouting, “Give us our mandate,” while firing shots sporadically. The chaos caused widespread panic, forcing lawyers, tribunal members, and attendees to flee for safety. The shocking incident has been widely condemned by stakeholders and political leaders.
Edo APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, strongly criticized the act, describing it as a disturbing assault on the judiciary. In a statement, Tenebe accused PDP supporters of orchestrating the violence, labeling it a “heinous act” aimed at undermining justice. He emphasized the tribunal’s role as a sacred space for impartial judgment and called for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Violence has no place in a civilized society,” Tenebe stated. “Those responsible for this despicable act must face the full weight of the law. Regardless of political affiliation, we must all condemn such actions in the strongest terms possible.”
In response, the PDP distanced itself from the incident in a counter-statement, denying any involvement by its supporters. The party reiterated its commitment to peaceful political engagement and criticized attempts to link it to the violence.
This incident underscores the tense political atmosphere in Edo State, where rival parties continue to clash over election-related issues. The disruption of the tribunal proceedings is a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic processes when marred by violence.
Both parties have called for thorough investigations to identify and punish those responsible, but the blame-trading highlights the deep-seated divisions and mutual distrust in Edo’s political landscape. As citizens and observers demand accountability, the spotlight remains on law enforcement to restore order and uphold the sanctity of the judicial process.
