The Edo State chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have clashed over the alleged attack and public humiliation of Dr Pedro Obaseki, a cousin of former governor Godwin Obaseki.
The PDP, in a statement on Tuesday by its Publicity Secretary, Dan Osa-Ogbegie, accused youth members of the APC of attacking and stripping Dr Obaseki naked in Benin City, describing the incident as a disturbing act of political violence.
According to the PDP, the incident occurred at Uwa Primary School, where Dr Obaseki had gone to play football. The party alleged that he was accosted by a mob, threatened, stripped naked and dragged through the streets in an act it described as planned and deliberate.
“This was not a spontaneous incident. It was a calculated ambush,” the PDP said, adding that videos circulating online showed “barbaric and degrading” treatment of the victim.
The opposition party accused APC supporters of being repeatedly involved in intimidation, assaults and mob actions across Edo State over the past year, particularly in Benin City. It warned that such actions were creating fear among residents and damaging the image of the state.
The PDP also rejected claims that the incident had any cultural or traditional backing, insisting that no Benin tradition supports violence, torture or public humiliation.
“If an offence is committed, the police station—not the street—is the place for justice,” the party said.
It demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved, as well as an explanation from the Edo State Government and the police over what it described as a failure to protect citizens.
In response, the APC dismissed the PDP’s claims, accusing the opposition party of exploiting an unfortunate incident to attack Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.
In a statement by its Acting Publicity Secretary, Victor Osehobo, the APC said the incident involving Dr Obaseki was regrettable but should not be politicised.
“The matter is already under investigation by security agencies, and no one has been shielded,” Osehobo said, urging restraint and patience while investigations continue.
He accused the PDP of rushing to conclusions and spreading what he called “conspiracy theories” in a bid to discredit the state government’s security efforts.
According to the APC, Governor Okpebholo’s administration has taken a firm stance against crime and mob action, insisting that no individual or group is above the law, regardless of political affiliation.
“The attempt to link this incident to the APC or the state government is dishonest and malicious,” the party said, adding that security agencies have been empowered to act without fear or favour.
The APC maintained that the incident does not undermine the government’s security agenda but rather exposes what it described as the PDP’s desperation to remain politically relevant.