Former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress John Odigie-Oyegun, and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were on Tuesday allegedly attacked by suspected thugs in Edo State.
The incident was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja by Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko.
According to the statement, the attack occurred after the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC. It alleged that armed individuals followed Obi and other party leaders from the ADC secretariat to the residence of Odigie-Oyegun in Benin City.
“Peter Obi and the leadership of the ADC are under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State. 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,” the statement said.
“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.”
Photos and videos shared by Tanko showed smashed windshields of several sport utility vehicles, while the gate leading to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence was riddled with bullet holes.
The alleged attack took place amid political activities linked to Akpata’s declaration as an ADC member, raising concerns over rising political tensions in the state.
Attack Comes Amid ADC Reject of FCT Polls
Tuesday’s reported incident adds to an already charged political atmosphere, as opposition figures continue to question recent electoral outcomes in the FCT Polls, expressing concerns about the safety of political actors and the state of Nigeria’s democracy.
The development comes less than 24 hours after the ADC candidate in the Abuja Municipal Area Council chairmanship election, Dr Moses Paul, alongside the Obidient Movement, rejected the outcome of the February 21 poll, citing alleged irregularities and insisting the results did not reflect the will of the electorate.
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The Independent National Electoral Commission had declared Christopher Maikalangu of the APC winner of the AMAC election, with 40,295 votes out of 62,861 valid votes cast. Paul placed second with 12,109 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party candidate scored 3,398 votes.
In a statement issued on Monday, Paul accused INEC of mismanaging the election, alleging voter suppression, result manipulation, intimidation of party supporters and vote buying in several wards.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
