The presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the brutal attack on Edo-based comedian, Osagie Daniel Idedia, popularly known as Porkupyne, in Benin City.
It was learnt that the incident occurred at a popular hotel in Benin City on Friday night.
A source said the incident occurred during a birthday celebration at the hotel, where a political gathering was also taking place.
Porkupyne was said to have been attacked by suspected political thugs, who inflicted suffered severe injuries that landed him in hospital.
A video of the comedian in hospital after the attack circulated on social media on Saturday morning.
In a Saturday statement, Atiku described the attack as politically motivated.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the brutal attack on comedian Osagie Daniel Idedia (aka Porkupyne), in Benin City, Edo State, and I state without equivocation that this was a politically motivated assault on a Nigerian citizen solely because he is my supporter and because he dared to demand good governance and accountability in Edo State,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President added, “I hold Governor Monday Okpebholo, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership directly responsible for creating and tolerating a climate of impunity in which opposition supporters are beaten, maimed and terrorised.”
Atiku demanded that Governor Okpebholo explain what happened to Porkupyne and stop hiding behind official silence.
He also called on the police to urgently investigate allegations of political involvement, identify the perpetrators and expose whoever sponsored or facilitated the attack.
“Governor Okpebholo must explain what happened to Porkupyne, stop hiding behind official silence and prove that his government is not shielding political thugs; President Tinubu and the APC must stop the brutalisation of my supporters and end the dictatorial arrogance of treating loyal opposition as enemies of the state,” Atiku said.
He said he has formally drawn the attention of Amnesty International and all foreign missions in Nigeria to the incident, urging them to monitor the treatment of opposition supporters and document politically motivated violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku further demanded immediate justice for Porkupyne and protection for every Nigerian exercising the right to political choice and peaceful dissent.
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