Peter Obi
Condemnation trails attack on Peter Obi, ADC leaders in Benin City
Condemnations have trailed the attack on the former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, and other political figures of the African Democratic Congress on Tuesday in Benin City, Edo State, by suspected thugs.
Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, disclosed the attack in a statement issued in Abuja.
The statement reads: “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.”
In photos and videos sent by Tanko, several SUV windscreens were smashed, while the gate leading to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence was riddled with bullets.
An eyewitness said the incident happened at an ADC event on Tuesday, February 24. He said hoodlums invaded the venue and began shooting, specifically chasing the vehicle carrying Peter Obi to Chief John Oyegun’s house and continuing their attack. The situation remains chaotic, with those nearby trying to ascertain whether Obi was killed or survived.
Obi’s media adviser, Mr Valentine Obienyem, confirmed the incident and stated that Obi was safe.
The attack occurred during political activities surrounding the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata as an ADC member, heightening concerns about political tensions in the state. Unknown gunmen also stormed the ADC secretariat along Ogbelaka Street, firing shots and injuring several individuals.
The African Democratic Congress has strongly condemned the violent attack on its Edo State secretariat and the home of the national leader of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, shortly after Olumide Akpata’s declaration to the party on Tuesday.
Mabel Oboh, ADC South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, who condemned the action in a statement in Benin, said the incident marked the second time the ADC Edo State secretariat has been targeted in violent attacks.
Oboh stated that fortunately, key dignitaries, including Peter Obi, Odigie Oyegun, ADC National Chief Whip Festus Igbinoba, National Legal Adviser Oserheimen Osunbor, and herself, had just left the venue before the attack.
According to her, preliminary reports suggest involvement of members of the All Progressives Congress, although investigations remain ongoing.
“What happened to our Edo State secretariat is not just an attack on a party — it is an attack on democracy itself. Politics must never be a theatre of violence, intimidation, or harassment. Political participation must be safe, organised, and lawful,” Oboh said.
She emphasised that the party does not endorse violence but will not tolerate intimidation, adding that the safety of members remains paramount and security measures will stay strict at all levels.
Oboh also stated that the ADC Edo National Leader has invited the authorities and the police to the scene of the incident. The party has called on law enforcement agencies to investigate the attack swiftly and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Also reacting to the incident, the Edo State chairman of the party, Kennedy Odion, said the event was cut short after hearing that the APC was coming to attack them. Minutes after the programme ended, thugs stormed the venue.
Odion confirmed that he, Peter Obi, Senator Owie, and Oyegun had left the venue when they heard about the thugs’ attack. Three persons were injured, and vehicles parked outside Chief Oyegun’s house were destroyed.
The Commissioner of Police visited to assess the damage and assured that an investigation would be conducted. Odion urged that the attack not be allowed to slide.
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