Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has declared that experiences of lawlessness are “not new” to him following Tuesday’s attack on him, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin, Edo State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Obi thanked Nigerians at home and abroad who reached out in solidarity after the incident at the ADC office in Benin.
“I am profoundly grateful to Nigerians from around the world for your prayers, calls, and solidarity following the incident at the ADC office in Benin yesterday,” he said.
Obi also expressed appreciation for the support shown to the family of Odigie-Oyegun, a former governor of Edo State, and former Governor Oserheimen Osunbor, describing both as leaders who served Nigeria honourably.
The attack reportedly occurred during the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC.
According to Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, armed men trailed Obi and other party leaders from the ADC secretariat to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence.
“Peter Obi and the leadership of the ADC are under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State,” Tanko said.
“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 in what appears to be a survived assassination attempt on our lives. Democracy is in danger.”
Photos and videos circulated online showed bullet-riddled gates and damaged SUVs, intensifying concerns over escalating political tensions in the state.
The development comes months after Governor Monday Okpebholo warned in July 2025 that Obi must notify him before visiting Edo State, stating that his security could not be guaranteed otherwise.
Gov.Okpebholo had alleged that a previous visit by Obi led to a resurgence of violence and three deaths, insisting the directive was strictly for security reasons.
However, the Edo State government dismissed allegations of targeted attacks as “false and malicious.”
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In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Okpebholo, the government said the administration “is not, and will never be, in the business of attacking innocent Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation.”
“No directive was at any time issued by the governor or any organ of the Edo State government to target members of any political party.
‘These allegations lack credible evidence and appear calculated to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension,” the statement added.
The government further claimed the incident coincided with internal disputes within the ADC, noting that a faction led by former Senate Chief Whip, Roland Owie was reportedly shut out of a meeting at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence.
Reflecting on the attack, Obi linked the incident to broader governance failures, recalling how violence in Anambra years ago shaped his decision to seek the governorship of the state.
“Experiences of lawlessness are not new to me,” he said.
“Years ago, the violence and insecurity in Anambra shaped my determination to seek the governorship of the state, convinced that leadership must restore order, security, and public trust.
“Today, the growing lawlessness across our country calls upon all men and women of goodwill to step forward—not in fear but with a sense of responsibility.”
Citing the Greek philosopher Plato, Obi warned that civic apathy carries consequences, urging Nigerians to elect leaders defined by competence, character, and commitment.
“Together, with courage and unity, we can build the peaceful, secure, and prosperous Nigeria our people deserve,” he added.
