Kenneth Okonkwo Alleges Government Involvement in Attack on Peter Obi and ADC Leaders in Edo State
Popular actor and lawyer Kenneth Okonkwo has made serious accusations against the Nigerian government, alleging that it orchestrated a recent attack on opposition leaders, including Peter Obi, in Benin City, Edo State. Okonkwo, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stated during an interview with Arise TV on February 24 that the incident was a deliberate attempt to silence political opponents and weaken opposition voices.
Details of the Alleged Government-Led Assault
Okonkwo explained that the attack was not a random event but a premeditated move to intimidate and eliminate political rivals. He claimed that three former governors—Peter Obi, John Oyegun, and Professor Osunbor—were present at the venue when the assault occurred, yet adequate security was withdrawn beforehand, suggesting government complicity. "This was an assassination attempt by people I can describe as either the governmental people or their agents. This is genocide against political opponents," Okonkwo declared, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
He further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of working towards establishing a one-party state by targeting opposition figures. "This government has started trying to do genocide against political parties. You must have heard when they said that it’s like we are tilting towards a one-party state, and this was orchestrated by APC to ensure that there is no other party," he stated, highlighting concerns about democratic erosion in Nigeria.
Call for Independent Investigation and Justice
While no fatalities were reported, Okonkwo noted that several individuals sustained injuries during the attack, with casualty figures still being assessed. He expressed skepticism about police investigations, describing them as ineffective and often serving as the "graveyard of justice." In response, he called for an independent probe to ensure transparency and accountability, stating, "We don’t want a report from the people we are accusing."
Despite the incident, Okonkwo affirmed that the ADC would continue its political campaigns and engagements with the public, demonstrating resilience in the face of intimidation. "We are not going anywhere. We will continue our engagements. We will talk to the people. We will show them that we are not afraid," he concluded, underscoring the party's commitment to democratic processes.
Public Reactions and Broader Political Context
The allegations have sparked varied reactions on social media, with some users criticizing Okonkwo for making claims without conclusive evidence, while others expressed concern over the safety of political figures and the integrity of Nigeria's democracy. This incident occurs amid ongoing political tensions, as Okonkwo previously argued that opposition parties should field a strong northern candidate in the 2027 election to unseat President Bola Tinubu, warning that southern candidates like Peter Obi could inadvertently secure Tinubu's re-election.
The attack in Edo State raises critical questions about security, political violence, and the state of opposition politics in Nigeria, with calls for thorough investigations to uphold justice and democratic principles.
