Breaking: Peter Obi and Others Survive Assassination Attempt in Edo State.
Armed individuals have reportedly launched an attack during the formal declaration of former Labour Party governorship candidate Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress (ADC), raising fresh alarms over the state of democracy in Edo State.
According to eyewitness accounts and statements from those present, the incident unfolded as a convoy, including Akpata and ADC leaders, departed from the party’s state secretariat in Benin and proceeded to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, a prominent political figure and national leader associated with the party.
The armed assailants allegedly followed the group to the residence, where they opened fire at the gate. Several vehicles were damaged in the assault, which has been described by sources close to the event as a narrowly averted assassination attempt on the lives of those involved, including Akpata and party officials.
“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 in what appears to be a survived assassination attempt on our lives,” a statement attributed to participants in the event declared. “Democracy is in danger.”
The attack comes against a backdrop of heightened political tensions in Edo State. Recent weeks have seen reports of unrest within the ADC, including a separate incident in early February where suspected thugs targeted the party’s state secretariat, causing property damage and prompting a police investigation. Internal frictions have also emerged, with some party figures excluded from meetings at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, leading to standoffs requiring police intervention.
No immediate claims of responsibility have surfaced, and details of any casualties remain unconfirmed at the time of reporting. The Edo State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the latest incident, though sources indicate an investigation is likely underway given the gravity of the allegations involving gunfire and potential threats to life.
Akpata’s move to the ADC follows his prominent role in the 2024 gubernatorial race under the Labour Party banner and subsequent speculation about his political future, which he has publicly addressed by dismissing rival party defections. The event at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence was seen as a key step in consolidating opposition forces ahead of future electoral cycles.
Political observers have expressed concern that such violent episodes undermine Nigeria’s democratic process, particularly in states with a history of election-related unrest. Calls for swift security action and impartial investigation have grown, with emphasis on protecting political figures and party activities from intimidation.
