Atiku Condemns Attack on Edo Comedian Over Refusal to Support Tinubu

Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has condemned the alleged attack on Edo State-based comedian Osagie Daniel Idedia, popularly known as Porkupyne, reportedly over his political views and refusal to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Atiku called on security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.

The comedian was reportedly attacked on Friday night, October 23, 2026, in Benin City, Edo State. He sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital, where he was reported to be receiving treatment.

The incident attracted public attention after a video showing the comedian lying on a hospital bed with visible injuries circulated on social media on Saturday.

In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, Atiku described the assault as politically motivated, alleging that Porkupyne was targeted because of his support for the ADC presidential candidate and his criticism of the Edo State Government.

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the brutal attack on comedian Osagie Daniel Idedia (aka Porkupyne), in Benin City, Edo State,” Atiku said.

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He alleged that the comedian was attacked because he supported his political ambition and demanded good governance and accountability in Edo State.

Atiku also accused President Tinubu, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of creating an environment in which opposition supporters could be intimidated.

He challenged Okpebholo to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident and demonstrate that his administration would not protect anyone responsible for political violence.

The former vice-president urged the police to investigate possible political involvement in the assault and establish whether anyone sponsored or facilitated it.

He also called on Amnesty International and foreign diplomatic missions in Nigeria to monitor the treatment of opposition supporters, independently document alleged politically motivated attacks and demand accountability as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

Atiku maintained that Nigerians should be free to support any political party or candidate without fear of intimidation or physical assault.

He demanded justice for Porkupyne and called for measures to protect citizens exercising their right to political choice and peaceful dissent.

The attack also drew condemnation from comedian Gbadamosi Jonathan, popularly known as MC Edo Pikin, who expressed concern over Porkupyne’s condition in a video shared on social media.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command said it had begun investigating the incident.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said Commissioner of Police Patrick Daaor had ordered an immediate and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the assault, identify those involved and ensure that anyone found responsible faced the law.

The police condemned violence and assured the public that the matter would be investigated.

However, the alleged political motive behind the attack has not been independently established, and the police have not publicly confirmed who carried out the assault or whether it was connected to the comedian’s political views.

The Edo State Government had not publicly responded to Atiku’s allegations at the time of the latest reports.

The incident has renewed concerns about political tolerance and the safety of citizens expressing dissent as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.