A controversial video featuring Agogo the Towncrier, an aide to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, has sparked widespread backlash after he was recorded making inflammatory remarks against opposition figures, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi. In the footage, Agogo told the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, that any member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) found in the state would be handed over to the police. He also referred to Peter Obi as a “stupid man,” drawing criticism for the derogatory language and potential threat to political opponents. The police commissioner’s visible smile during the exchange further fueled public concern over the appropriateness of his response, especially given the sensitive nature of the comments.
This incident comes amid deepening internal turmoil within the ADC in Edo State, where a new state executive has been announced, led by Tony Alike. The announcement was made by Sem Andrew Uchendu, the party’s National Collation Chairman, who claimed to have supervised congresses at all levels — from unit to state — over a three-day period. Uchendu stated that the leadership transition was achieved through a consensus arrangement endorsed by key party figures, including former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun. The move is part of a broader effort to establish a “well-structured leadership” for the party in the state.
However, the announcement has been met with conflicting claims. Just 24 hours earlier, Rowland Owie, a member of the ADC’s National Executive Committee, declared that Nosa Ehima had been elected as the new state chairman. Meanwhile, incumbent chairman Kennedy Odion, whose term is set to expire on May 19, said he had no knowledge of any congress being held. This leadership confusion has raised questions about the legitimacy and transparency of the party’s internal processes.
Tony Alike, the newly appointed chairman, emphasized unity and repositioning the party during his first public address. He said he had already begun consultations with party leaders, including a visit to Odigie-Oyegun. Alike promised to release a policy statement in the coming days, focusing on mobilizing Nigerians to demand better governance. He stressed that the country should not remain under the control of a single individual or group, and that the opposition must be ready to offer a credible alternative. “When the nation says we are tired of a bad government, the alternative is the opposition,” he said, adding that the party will unveil its strategy ahead of the general election starting in January.
The developments in the ADC reflect growing political realignments and tensions in Edo State, with implications for the upcoming elections and the broader national political landscape.
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