Secretariat storm: PDP sues APC’s Tenebe, demands ₦900m for violent takeover

By Jethro Ibileke

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has filed a lawsuit against the Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Mr. Jarret Tenebe, over an alleged violent invasion and forceful takeover of its secretariat.

In the suit filed at the High Court through its legal counsel, A.O. Edeko and Co., the PDP is seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Tenebe and his agents from further trespassing on, conducting any business within, or disrupting its peaceful occupation of the secretariat located at No. 49, Airport Road, Benin City.

The party is also demanding more than ₦900 million in damages, citing the destruction and looting of office equipment, including computers, laptops, and generators, during the alleged invasion which took place on 16 January 2025.

According to the writ of summons, the PDP is asking the court to affirm its rightful occupation of the premises, which it claims was legally leased from the landlord, Mr. Enoma Agbontaen.

It described the alleged forceful eviction as a clear act of trespass and a violation of its right to quiet enjoyment of the property.

“The violent eviction of the Claimant and its staff… constitutes an act of trespass in law,” the PDP stated, while seeking a declaration that the APC’s actions amounted to a breach of lawful tenancy and a disruption of its operations.

The PDP is demanding ₦500 million as general damages for the violation of its rights, along with ₦322.7 million as special damages for the value of destroyed and looted office equipment.

The party is also claiming ₦90 million as the cost incurred for emergency relocation to Etano Hotel, G.R.A., Benin City, from 16 January to 13 February 2025, and further requests a daily payment of ₦5 million for continued use of the temporary office space until a judgment is delivered.

In addition to financial compensation, the PDP is urging the court to restore its possession of the secretariat and issue an order of perpetual injunction against Tenebe and his associates to prevent any further interference.

The suit is the latest escalation in the ongoing political tensions in Edo State as the 2025 governorship election approaches.