Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate, narrowly escaped an apparent assassination attempt on Tuesday, as armed thugs attacked him and members of the Obidient Movement in Benin, Edo State.
Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, raised the alarm over the incident, which occurred during the formal defection of Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin City.
In a statement titled “Breaking Red Alert in Benin, Edo State”, Tanko said:
“PO and the leadership of the ADC are under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State. At the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress, armed individuals followed us from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. They shot at the gate and destroyed several vehicles in what appears to be a survived assassination attempt on our lives. Democracy is in danger.”
Eyewitnesses confirmed that the gunmen opened fire near the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, causing panic among the participants. Several vehicles were reportedly damaged in the attack.
In a video recorded outside Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, Obi recounted the attack, describing it as a direct threat to democracy in Nigeria. He condemned the incident, warning that such acts undermine the country’s political process and the safety of citizens.
Tanko called for urgent intervention from security agencies to protect Obi, ADC leaders, and members of the Obidient Movement. He emphasized that the attack reflects a growing climate of intimidation against political activists in the country.
This incident comes amid heightened political tension in Edo State, following high-profile party defections and growing rivalry among political groups ahead of upcoming elections.
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