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.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.
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