By Azeez Sulaiman
Former presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, were reportedly attacked by gunmen in Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday during an event of the African Democratic Congress.
The incident occurred at activities marking the formal declaration of Barrister Olumide Akpata into the ADC.
In a statement posted on his verified social media handle, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, alleged that armed individuals trailed the delegation from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of Chief Odigie-Oyegun.
“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. They shot at the gate and destroyed several vehicles,” Tanko stated.
He described the incident as a “failed assassination attempt,” adding that the development poses a threat to democratic engagement.
Eyewitness accounts circulating online indicated that gunshots were heard during the disruption, causing panic among supporters and residents in the area. However, as of press time, security agencies had not issued an official statement to confirm the nature of the attack or the identities of those responsible.
Sources close to the event said Obi and other ADC leaders were safely evacuated. There were no confirmed reports of fatalities, though some vehicles were reportedly damaged.
The incident adds to growing concerns over political violence ahead of future electoral activities, particularly as opposition figures intensify mobilisation efforts across states.
Security analysts have repeatedly warned that attacks on political gatherings, if not swiftly investigated and addressed, could heighten tensions and undermine public confidence in democratic processes.
Police operatives were seen around the scene shortly after the incident, but no arrests had been officially announced as of the time of filing this report.
