Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said that experiences of lawlessness are “not new” to him following the attack on him, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and some chieftains of the African Democratic Congress in Edo State.
In a statement on Tuesday, Obi thanked Nigerians who reached out in solidarity after the incident at the ADC office in Benin.
He said, “I am profoundly grateful to Nigerians from around the world for your prayers, calls, and solidarity following the incident at the ADC office in Benin yesterday.
“I especially appreciate your support during this difficult time for the family of the distinguished elder and former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun, who has served Nigeria honourably in various capacities, as well as for another former Governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor. Your support has strengthened my faith in our shared humanity and our collective hope for a better Nigeria.”
The attack occurred on Tuesday during the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC.
According to Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, “Peter Obi 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.”
Photos and videos circulated by Tanko reportedly showed bullet-riddled gates and several SUV windscreens smashed during the incident, heightening concerns about political tensions in the state.
The attack followed prior warnings from Governor Okpebholo, who in July 2025 stated that Obi must notify him before visiting Edo State, or his security would not be guaranteed.
The governor had said a previous visit by Obi that month resulted in a “resurgence of violence” and three deaths, stressing that the directive was purely for security purposes and not personal.
The Edo State Government dismissed claims of targeted attacks by officials as “false and malicious.”
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the government said, “The Okpebholo administration is not, and will never be, in the business of attacking innocent Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation.
“No directive was at any time issued by the governor or any organ of the Edo State Government to target members of any political party. These allegations lack credible evidence and appear calculated to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension.”
The statement also noted that the incident coincided with internal ADC disputes, explaining that a faction led by former Senate Chief Whip Roland Owie was shut out of a meeting at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence.
Reflecting on the incident, Obi said, “Experiences of lawlessness are not new to me. Years ago, the violence and insecurity in Anambra shaped my determination to seek the governorship of the state, convinced that leadership must restore order, security, and public trust.
“Today, the growing lawlessness across our country calls upon all men and women of goodwill to step forward—not in fear but with a sense of responsibility.”
Highlighting the stakes of civic inaction, Obi cited Plato: “As Plato reminded us, the price good people pay for refusing to participate in government is to live under the rule of bad people.”
He urged Nigerians to make informed choices at the ballot box, stating, “This moment urges Nigerians to be even more resolute in electing leaders defined by competence, commitment, character, and compassion—leaders who prioritise the nation above self and service above power.”
Concluding his reflection, Obi emphasised the power of collective action, saying, “Together, with courage and unity, we can build the peaceful, secure, and prosperous Nigeria our people deserve.”
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