By George Ozalla
Gunmen opened fire on the convoy of former presidential candidate and African Democratic Congress leader Peter Obi and former APC National Chairman John Odigie‑Oyegun in Benin City, Edo State, amid a political gathering, leaving vehicles shot and residents shaken. The attack occurred as the group departed an event at the ADC secretariat linked to the formal defection of several political figures into the party and headed toward Odigie‑Oyegun’s residence.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants trailed the convoy before unleashing a barrage of gunfire that damaged vehicles and sent bystanders fleeing for safety. There were no immediate official tallies of casualties, but video footage and accounts from the scene showed bullets striking vehicles and panic in surrounding streets. Security operatives later cordoned off parts of the area as residents urged authorities to act decisively.
Mr Obi acknowledged the incident in a statement to supporters, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of concern from across the country while stressing that encounters with lawlessness were not unfamiliar in the current security climate. He called for unity and leadership that prioritises stability, warning that such acts of violence threaten the democratic space and undermine the right to engage in peaceful political activity.
The African Democratic Congress condemned the attack in strong terms, describing the assault on its leaders as a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic process. The party said intimidation and violence have no place in politics and pledged to continue its activities despite what it called efforts to stifle opposition voices. Party officials also noted that warnings had been circulated by some political actors in the state against Mr Obi’s presence, heightening concerns about premeditation.
The Edo State Government denied any role in the attack, dismissing claims that state authorities orchestrated violence against political figures as false and malicious. A government spokesperson said no directive was issued to target any political group and urged the public to await the outcome of formal investigations. The Commissioner for Information suggested that internal disputes within the ADC might have contributed to the chaos, indicating that factional tensions could be a factor under review.
Civil society actors and political commentators condemned the shooting, urging a thorough investigation and swift prosecution of those responsible. Analysts said the incident underscores growing anxiety over political violence as the nation approaches future elections, with opposition figures warning that unchecked aggression could erode public trust and discourage civic engagement.
Security agencies in Edo State say investigations are ongoing, and efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators are underway. The incident has reignited calls from across the political spectrum for robust measures to protect political gatherings and ensure that democratic participation is free from fear and intimidation.
