Anambra Ex-ADC Deputy Candidate Sends Strong Message to Tinubu Over Attack on Peter Obi
Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu, the former deputy governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the recent Anambra election, has issued a fervent appeal to President Bola Tinubu. He is urging the president to take decisive action and fully condemn the recent violent attack targeting Peter Obi, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, during a political rally in Benin City, Edo State.
Details of the Violent Incident in Edo State
The incident occurred when armed hoodlums launched an assault on Peter Obi, former Edo governor John Odigie-Oyegun, and members of the Obidient Movement. This attack took place as the politicians were traveling from the ADC secretariat to Mr. Oyegun's residence. The group had been attending an ADC rally in Benin City, which was organized to welcome former Edo governorship candidate Olumide Akpata from the Labour Party. During the event, the hoodlums stormed the ADC secretariat and later pursued the politicians, firing shots that caused significant damage to gates and vehicles.
Edo State police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem confirmed the attack, noting that the intruders disrupted the meeting but fortunately caused no casualties. This violent episode has raised serious concerns about the safety and freedom of opposition parties in Nigeria.
Chief Nwobu's Condemnation and Call for Decency in Politics
In a statement made in Awka, the Anambra state capital, on Wednesday, February 25, Chief Nwobu expressed deep regret over the incident. He described the violence as a form of political intimidation and emphasized the need for politics to be conducted with decency and decorum. "It's most unfortunate that our politics has come down to this level," he said. "A situation whereby other political parties start getting so intimidated that they can't go out and canvass for support from the populace is most regrettable."
Chief Nwobu contrasted the current situation with past administrations, noting that under the People's Democratic Party (PDP) government, opposition parties were allowed the latitude to speak out and campaign freely. He criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government, accusing it of attempting to stifle opposition voices. "But what we're seeing under the All Progressives Congress-led federal government today is that they want to stifle all the voices of the opposition," he asserted.
Warning Against Rising Political Violence and Insecurity
Chief Nwobu further warned that such attacks undermine democracy and distract from pressing national issues. He highlighted that Nigeria is grappling with severe insecurity, including terrorism and insurgency, which have even prompted interventions from the United States. Instead of focusing on combating these threats, he alleged that the federal government is more interested in recruiting terrorists within the political space. "This is most unfortunate, and I urge the federal government under the leadership of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to immediately rise and condemn the act as a father of a nation, who is the president of all, not of the APC," he stated.
He pointed out that similar incidents have occurred under President Tinubu's watch, including when El-Rufai attempted to hold an ADC meeting in Kaduna and other ADC activities across the country. These events, he argued, are designed to intimidate, harass, and prevent opposition parties from holding their meetings, which is detrimental to democratic principles.
Prayers for Recovery and Emphasis on Democratic Values
While thanking God for saving Peter Obi and most people in his entourage from harm, Chief Nwobu prayed for the quick recovery of those injured in the attack. "We pray that this madness will not rise its ugly head again under this democratic process," he added. He stressed that democracy should be based on the people's will, allowing citizens to freely choose their leaders without fear or coercion.
Comedian Deeone's Controversial Take on the Incident
In a related development, comedian Deeone has criticized Peter Obi, suggesting that he might be using sympathy from the Edo attack to garner votes for the 2027 elections. Deeone dismissed allegations that the APC orchestrated the attack, instead proposing that Obi or his associates could have staged it for publicity. He urged Obi to focus on his political manifesto rather than relying on emotional appeals.
This incident has sparked widespread debate about political violence and the state of democracy in Nigeria, with calls for accountability and protection of opposition rights growing louder.
