The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the arson attack on its Ekiti Secretariat, demand justice and an independent investigation.

A statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Tuesday in Abuja, said the attack occurred hours before the party’s reconfiguration and affirmation ceremony in the state.

Abdullahi described the attack as a deliberate effort to sabotage its activities and intimidate members ahead of the ceremony.

He explained that unknown persons set the building ablaze early morning on Oct. 20.

The party described the incident as criminal and anti-democratic, adding that the attack was meant to instill fear and undermine free political association ahead of Ekiti’s governorship election.

He said the building was set to host a vital ceremony for reaffirming leadership at ward, local government, senatorial, and state levels.

“The is not an isolated incident. It called attention to a rising wave of attacks on our members and facilities across different parts of Nigeria.

“Since July, when ADC was adopted by the opposition coalition, violence against its structures has reportedly increased, suggesting a clear, disturbing pattern of coordinated intimidation.

“In Kaduna, ADC leaders were attacked during an inauguration on August 30. In Lagos, party officials were assaulted in Alimosho during a mobilisation exercise.

“Kebbi saw similar violence, where the convoy of ADC leaders was attacked in Birnin Kebbi. In Kogi, the secretariat in Dekina was targeted by vandals.

“In Edo, threats have reportedly come directly from the state government. These incidents are collectively alarming, pointing to systemic hostility toward the party nationwide,” Abdullahi said.

The ADC insisted that the attacks were a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and the constitutional rights of all citizens to participate freely in politics.

Abdullahi called on security agencies to investigate all attacks and swiftly prosecute those responsible.

The party also urged INEC, international observers, and civil society to pay close attention to the quiet war being waged against the party.

Abdullahi confirmed that, “in spite of the arson, the Ekiti affirmation ceremony would go on in a hall or under a tree.”

The Edo House of Assembly says it has received a letter from the state government directing it to investigate two ongoing projects initiated by the immediate past administration of Gov. Godwin Obaseki.

The projects in question are the Radisson Blu Hotel and the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA).

The letter, from the Office of Secretary to the State Government, was read on the floor of the House by the Clerk, Alhaji Audu Omogbai on Monday in Benin.

Following the reading, the Speaker of the House , Chief Blessing Agbebaku announced that an ad-hoc committee would be constituted at the next sitting to conduct a detailed investigation into the projects.

In a related development, the Assembly also received another letter from Gov Monday Okpebholo, signed by the SSG, Musa Ikhilo requesting the screening and confirmation of nominees for appointment into the Edo State Judicial Service Commission.

Subsequently, the Speaker referred the request to the House Committee on Judiciary with instructions to report back promptly.

Meanwhile, the House has passed for second reading, a bill seeking to repeal the Edo State Private Health Facility (Prohibition) Law of 1984 and to be replaced by Edo Healthcare Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA).

The Assembly felicitated with the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on the occasion of his birthday and 9th coronation anniversary.

The House also observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Mr Gbenga Agun, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, who recently passed away. (NAN)

The political base of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti State further depleted on Monday as its former House of Assembly candidate, Hon. Niyi Adeogun, and other party stalwarts defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

The defectors said they were moved by the radical economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji at both the federal and state levels.

Speaking while being received by APC leaders at his Erinmope/Aaye Oja/Irare Ward in Moba Local Government Area, Adeogun commended the Oyebanji administration for its inclusive and welfarist governance.

The former PDP chieftain cited Governor Oyebanji’s open-door leadership, which he said accommodates politicians across party lines, as well as students, women, artisans, civil servants, and people from all walks of life.

Adeogun praised the governor for his commitment to rural development, particularly in Moba Council, through road reconstruction projects such as the Erinmope–Irare Road and others that enhance agricultural productivity and promote food security in the state.

He pledged to use his experience to strengthen the APC at the grassroots by mobilising support for Oyebanji’s second-term bid.

“I am defecting today with the PDP Ward Chairman and Youth Leader, among other executive members and politicians who were the lifeblood of the opposition in the past.

“I am not defecting for personal gain, but to support the good work of Governor Oyebanji. He has complemented President Tinubu’s efforts at the centre, and our economy is rising through the strategic implementation of this administration’s six pillars.

“Everywhere you go, there are signs of progress — roads under construction, the flyover in Ado-Ekiti, the operational airport, the Ado-Ekiti Ring Road, Ado–Ikere Road, Ado–Iworoko–Ifaki Road, Ikere–Ilawe Road, Ikole–Ara–Isinbode Road, among others. Ekiti has become a massive construction site.

“I assure you that I will work tirelessly to project the governor’s good image and ensure the APC secures a resounding victory in the 2026 election,” he said.

Receiving the defectors, APC State Chairman Hon. Sola Elesin assured them of fair treatment, noting that discrimination has no place under Governor Oyebanji’s leadership.

Elesin, represented by the ward chairman, Hon. Kolawole Olaoluwa, said: “Now that you have joined us, be loyal to our party and the governor, who is our leader and a man of integrity.

“You have every right to aspire to any position of your choice. As the 2026 election approaches, work with others to ensure the governor’s re-election so that all of us can continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.”