Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has said he is no stranger to political turbulence after an attack allegedly targeted him and other opposition figures in Edo State.
The incident occurred in Benin during the formal reception of Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Obi, alongside former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun and other party leaders, was reportedly caught up in the violence.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Obi expressed gratitude to Nigerians at home and abroad for their prayers and solidarity following the incident at the ADC office in Benin. He also acknowledged the support shown to Odigie-Oyegun and former Edo governor Oserheimen Osunbor, describing the outreach as a testament to shared humanity and hope for a better Nigeria.
According to Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, armed individuals allegedly trailed the group from the ADC secretariat to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, firing at the gate and vandalising vehicles in what he described as an apparent assassination attempt. Images shared online showed damaged gates and shattered SUV windscreens, intensifying concerns over rising political tension in the state.
The episode followed earlier remarks by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who in July 2025 said Obi should notify him before visiting the state for security reasons. The governor had linked a previous visit to a resurgence of violence, though he maintained the directive was not personal.
The Edo State Government has since rejected allegations of orchestrating or endorsing any attack, describing such claims as unfounded and politically motivated. In a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, the administration insisted it does not target individuals based on political affiliation and noted that the incident coincided with internal disputes within the ADC, including reports that a faction led by Roland Owie was denied access to a meeting at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence.
Reflecting on the development, Obi said experiences of lawlessness were not new to him, recalling how insecurity in Anambra State shaped his resolve to pursue leadership in the past. He argued that the growing climate of instability nationwide demands courageous and responsible civic engagement.
Citing the philosopher Plato, Obi warned that when good people withdraw from governance, they risk being ruled by bad leaders. He urged Nigerians to prioritize competence, character, and compassion in future elections, stressing that national progress depends on collective courage and unity.