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 Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced a N20 million prize for the local government that recorded highest number of newly registered voters in the ongoing registration exercise reports thegazellenews.com

The Chairman of the party in the state, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi disclosed this on Tuesday, 21 October, 2025 during the Stakeholders’ Forum of the party going on at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

Ojelabi stated that the party has put everything in place for smooth registration calling on all members of the party to go out and mobilise people to register.

Ojelabi also announced that the Ward with the highest number newly registered voters will get a N5 million cash prize.

Ojelabi stated further that the party is not leaving anything to chance in mobilising people to register and collect their PVCs.

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)