Peter Obi Condemns Alleged Assassination Attempt in Edo, Warns Democracy at Risk
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, has spoken out strongly against an alleged gunmen attack in Benin City, Edo State, raising serious concerns about the state of Nigeria's democracy. The incident, which reportedly targeted the residence of former All Progressives Congress national chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, has sparked widespread alarm and political commentary.
Details of the Alleged Attack
According to reports from Vanguard on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, gunmen opened fire at the residence of former APC national chairman John Odigie-Oyegun in Benin City. The attack left visible damage, with bullet holes riddling the estate gate and several vehicles, indicating the intensity of the assault. Peter Obi, who serves as a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress and remains a presidential hopeful, addressed the incident in a now-viral video that has been circulating widely on social media platforms.
In the footage, Obi pointed to the bullet-riddled gate and stated emphatically: "This is where our democracy has reached. A former governor, and you can see what happened in front of his house, where hoodlums came shooting." He continued with a warning: "I assure you this cannot continue; we have a country, and we are a part of it. We cannot have terrorism and have officials in government terrorising the citizens."
Political Context and Previous Tensions
The alleged attack comes against a backdrop of existing political tensions in Edo State. Just seven months prior to this incident, Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, had warned Peter Obi not to enter the state again without prior security clearance. In July 2025, Okpebholo claimed that Obi's previous visit to the state coincided with the killing of three people, accusing the former presidential candidate of contributing to a resurgence of violence in the region.
The governor had stated clearly that the state government would not tolerate such alleged violence linked to political activities. This latest incident has therefore reignited concerns about political violence and security in Edo State, which is governed by the All Progressives Congress.
Police Response and Investigation
At the time of reporting, Eno Ikodem, the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, could not be reached immediately for comments on the alleged attack on ADC members. The lack of immediate official response has added to the uncertainty surrounding the incident and raised questions about security protocols in the state.
Political Realignments in Edo
Meanwhile, in a related political development, Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party candidate in the 2024 Edo governorship election, formally left the party on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, to join the African Democratic Congress. Akpata was officially received by the party's national and state leaders, including Peter Obi; former APC national chairman John Odigie-Oyegun; ex-Edo governor Professor Oserheimen Osunbor; former Senate chief whip Roland Owie; and Murphy Omoruyi, the member representing Egor/Ikpoba-Okha constituency at the House of Representatives.
Akpata, who received his party membership card from state chairman Kennedy Odion, explained that he decided to join the ADC following Obi's entry into the party on December 31, 2025. He emphasized that his goal was to contribute meaningfully to political developments and expressed gratitude for the warm reception from the ADC leadership.
Broader Implications for Nigerian Democracy
Peter Obi's condemnation of the alleged attack extends beyond the immediate incident to address broader concerns about Nigeria's democratic health. As a prominent political figure who contested the 2023 presidential election, his warnings carry significant weight in political circles. The incident has sparked discussions about:
- The safety of political figures and their residences
- The potential for political violence to undermine democratic processes
- The responsibility of state governments to ensure security for all citizens regardless of political affiliation
- The need for thorough investigations into such incidents to maintain public trust
The alleged attack in Benin City represents more than just an isolated security incident—it has become a focal point for concerns about political stability and democratic norms in Nigeria. As investigations continue and political reactions unfold, this event will likely remain a significant topic in Nigeria's political discourse, particularly as the country approaches future electoral cycles.
