Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Condemns Alleged Assassination Attempt on Peter Obi
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has issued a strong condemnation of the reported assassination attempt on opposition figure Peter Obi and former APC national chairman John Odigie-Oyegun in Edo State. In a statement released on Wednesday, February 25, the lawmaker described the incident as deeply disturbing and warned against an escalating culture of political hostility in Nigeria.
Natasha Emphasizes Democratic Principles
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that violence, intimidation, and threats have no place in a democratic society, asserting that political competition must never devolve into physical attacks on opponents. She expressed concern over overzealous political actors who resort to harassment or aggression against opposition figures in a bid to demonstrate loyalty to leaders. Democracy thrives on healthy competition, free expression, and the protection of dissenting voices, she stated, highlighting the constitutional right of the opposition to organize and mobilize without fear.
Call for Security Action and Investigation
The senator called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged attack and ensure accountability for those responsible. She emphasized that Nigeria must resolve political differences through dialogue and the ballot, not violence. Reaffirming her commitment to democratic principles, Akpoti-Uduaghan vowed to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the safety of all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation.
Details of the Alleged Attack in Benin City
The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 24, in Benin City, Edo State's capital, when gunmen reportedly opened fire on Peter Obi and his convoy after a political rally. Obi, alongside Oyegun and other figures, was attending a rally at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat to mark Olumide Akpata's defection from the Labour Party to the ADC. Suspected armed hoodlums shot at the politicians and Obidient Movement members as they left the venue, damaging gates and vehicles, with several people sustaining injuries, though no fatalities were officially reported.
Edo Government Denies Involvement and Criticizes Obi
The Edo State government has denied allegations of directing any agencies to attack Obi during his visit, labeling the claims as false and malicious. In a statement, Chief Press Secretary Patrick Ebojele asserted that Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration would not engage in attacks against law-abiding Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation. The Edo State Police Command confirmed a disturbance at the rally site, with officers responding swiftly to force suspects to flee.
Political Tensions and Government Remarks
Political tension in Edo has been heightened by past warnings from Governor Okpebholo, who in 2025 cautioned Obi against visiting the state without prior security notification. Speaking on Channels Television, Edo Commissioner for Information Kassim Afegbua described Obi as a destabilizing figure, alleging that crises often follow his political engagements. Peter Obi is a problem to the politics of Edo because any party he belongs to is in crisis, Afegbua stated, referencing internal party disputes within the Labour Party and ADC.
This development underscores ongoing challenges in Nigeria's political landscape, with calls for enhanced security measures and respect for democratic norms to prevent further violence.
