The African Democratic Congress has expressed deep concern over recent comments by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who suggested that ongoing kidnappings in the country are politically motivated, claiming they are orchestrated to influence election outcomes.

In a statement, the ADC described the remarks as both careless and disturbing, particularly at a time when families continue to mourn, search for, and plead for the safe return of their abducted loved ones. The party said such statements trivialize the suffering of ordinary Nigerians and risk undermining trust in government institutions tasked with protecting citizens.

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, said: “Instead of providing solutions or answers to grieving families, the government is busy spinning fancy conspiracy theories. This is a real shame and a serious problem. Replacing hard evidence and actionable intelligence with baseless accusations shows the troubling mindset within the ruling party.”

The ADC also reminded Governor Okpebholo that the same political strategies used in the past to weaponize insecurity for political gain, particularly against former President Goodluck Jonathan, are now associated with those in power today. The party questioned how a public figure can make such statements while people’s lives are at stake, and called for accountability, restraint, and a focus on actionable security measures.

The statement concluded by urging all government officials to prioritise citizens’ safety above partisan speculation and to demonstrate leadership that respects the pain and urgency of communities affected by kidnappings.