Peter Obi and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress on Tuesday escaped what their aides described as an assassination attempt by armed hoodlums in Benin, the Edo State capital.
The attack reportedly occurred shortly after the formal defection of Olumide Akpata to the ADC in Benin City.
Spokesperson for Obi, Yunusa Tanko, alleged in a statement that the former Anambra State governor and other party chieftains were trailed by armed men from the ADC secretariat to the residence of former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun.
“PO and the leadership of the ADC are under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State,” Tanko said.
He added, “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.”
Sources within the party said several vehicles were vandalised during the incident, though no casualty was immediately confirmed as of press time.
Efforts to get the reaction of the Edo State Police Command were unsuccessful. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Eno Ikoedem, did not respond to calls and messages seeking comments on the development.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable in a democratic setting.
In a statement on Tuesday, Atiku said the violent assault on Obi, Odigie-Oyegun, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, Olumide Akpata and other coalition leaders of the ADC was “utterly condemnable.”
He alleged that inflammatory rhetoric by elements within the ruling party in Edo State had heightened political tension.
“In recent times, we have witnessed reckless and inflammatory rhetoric from elements within the ruling party in Edo State, rhetoric that dangerously legitimises violence against political opponents.
Words, when weaponised, often precede actions. What happened in Benin did not occur in a vacuum,” he said.
Atiku further warned that Nigeria was entering a dangerous phase where opposition figures were not only harassed through state institutions but also physically targeted.
As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official statement from the Edo State Government or security agencies on the incident.
The development has raised fresh concerns over political violence and intolerance as parties intensify realignments ahead of future electoral contests.
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