In a shocking display of violence, thugs affiliated with the PDP have once again targeted the campaign of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC governorship candidate, during a recent rally at Ugbekpe Ekperi Ward 6 in Etsako Central Local Government. This latest attack follows Senator Okpebholo’s successful events in Anegbette and Udaba and marks the third instance of such cowardly ambushes against him.

This is no longer just a political contest; it is an outright assault on democracy, driven by PDP factions desperate to maintain power in the face of imminent defeat. Today’s attack adds to a disturbing pattern of violence against the APC campaign, including the tragic murder of Inspector Akor Onu in Benin and the wanton destruction of APC campaign vehicles in Akoko Edo.

Edo State cannot stand by as Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration arms young people and turns them into agents of violence and chaos. The citizens of Edo deserve an environment of peace and progress, where they can choose their leaders without fear of intimidation or bloodshed. The PDP’s dangerous obsession with power must not allow the state to descend into turmoil.

These violent actions against Senator Okpebholo, a man dedicated to peace and development, reveal the PDP’s true character: a party that has lost its grip on the people and resorts to terror and criminal acts. It is disheartening to see the Edo State government prioritizing violence over civility, choosing to arm our youth instead of providing them with skills and opportunities. This is not governance; it is tyranny and a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the Edo populace.

We challenge Governor Obaseki and the PDP to condemn these heinous acts of violence and assure the people of Edo of their commitment to a peaceful electoral process. The safety of our citizens must be the top priority, and any government that fails to protect them is failing in its duty.

Senator Monday Okpebholo remains steadfast. His vision for a prosperous Edo State will not be swayed by bullets or thuggery. The people of Edo are wise enough to see through the PDP’s traps. We call on all citizens to unite against violence and intimidation, supporting Senator Okpebholo—a leader ready to guide Edo State toward greatness.

Enough is enough! The bloodshed must end, and those responsible must face justice. Edo State cannot afford to spiral into darkness and lawlessness simply because one party refuses to acknowledge its time is up. Let the voices of the people be heard through the ballot, not through violence.

We urge security agencies to act decisively in investigating and prosecuting those behind these attacks. We will not allow the PDP’s desperation to undermine the will of the people. Edo must rise above this madness, and with Senator Monday Okpebholo, a brighter, more peaceful future awaits.