By DADA AYOKHAI
IGARRA, AKOKO EDO* – The All Progressives Congress, APC* in Akoko Edo suffered a major loss on Wednesday following the defection of Hon. Pendo Eshovo Adeche Majority Leader of the Legislative Arm and Councillor representing Ward 2 to the African Democratic Congress, ADC,
According to multiple eyewitness accounts, Hon. Adeche had gone to the Local Government Secretariat in the morning to submit his resignation letter and announce his new political allegiance.
However, the process turned violent. In a report by Comrade Charles Akanji, an ADC chieftain in Akoko Edo, suspected APC thugs allegedly led by party chieftain Hon. Fatimbi stormed the premises and launched a brutal attack on the defecting councillor.
The victim was reportedly punched repeatedly in the face, kicked in the ribs, and struck on the head with a wooden plank, causing severe bleeding. He collapsed and was rushed to a hospital in Igarra, where he is currently battling for his life with multiple internal injuries.
The ADC leadership in Akoko Edo has condemned the attack, describing it as political terrorism and a barbaric display of fascism.
In a statement, the party said Hon. Adeche exercised his constitutional right to freedom of association and resigned properly, but was met with violence instead of democratic dialogue.
The ADC has called on the Edo State Commissioner of Police and the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Akoko Edo to immediately arrest Hon. Fatimbi and his alleged gang members. The party also demanded 24-hour security protection for Hon. Adeche and his family, citing credible threats to their lives.
The party further warned that failure of security agencies to act decisively could escalate into a protracted crisis in Akoko Edo, given the ADC’s growing youth base and rising frustration among its supporters.
All efforts to reach the APC and Hon. Fatimbi for comment proved abortive as of press time.
