‘Peter Obi Fuels Political Tension in Edo’ — Govt Responds After ADC Attack in Benin City

The Edo State Government has strongly reacted to a recent attack on supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin City, accusing former presidential candidate Peter Obi of fanning political instability in the state.

Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television, the Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, described Obi as a “problem in Edo politics”, claiming that his involvement in any political party often triggers internal conflicts and public disorder. “Peter Obi is a problem to the politics of Edo because any party he belongs to is crisis, crisis, crisis,” Afegbua said.

The statement came after gunmen reportedly disrupted an ADC-related gathering, including attacks near party offices and the residence of former APC national chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, causing minor injuries and property damage. The commissioner alleged that the event was not properly coordinated with security agencies, and suggested that elements within the ADC may have provoked unrest under the guise of political mobilization.

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Afegbua stressed that the state government remains committed to maintaining peace and denied any involvement in the attack. He confirmed that security agencies are investigating the incident, and anyone found culpable would face prosecution. The commissioner also warned that Edo would not become a theatre for political confrontation ahead of upcoming elections.

The attack has been widely condemned. ADC supporters, known as Obidients, accused the Edo government of intimidation and political bias, insisting that the gathering was peaceful before being disrupted by unidentified assailants. Civil society groups and opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, also condemned the violence, calling for transparent investigations and accountability.

Governor Monday Okpebholo reiterated the state’s commitment to peace and security, attributing the incident to internal party disputes within the ADC rather than a politically targeted attack. He urged all political actors to exercise restraint and avoid exploiting local tensions for partisan advantage.

Observers note that the incident highlights rising political tensions in Edo State as the 2027 elections approach. Analysts warn that unchecked hostility and violent clashes could undermine democratic engagement, threaten public safety, and deepen mistrust between political parties and the electorate.

‘Peter Obi Fuels Political Tension in Edo’ — Govt Responds After ADC Attack in Benin City

Adamawa: Speaker, 13 Lawmakers Quit PDP Ahead of Fintiri’s Expected Defection to APC

The political atmosphere in Adamawa State has shifted dramatically following the resignation of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Bathiya Wesley, and 13 other lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The mass exit, announced on the floor of the House during plenary, is widely seen as a strategic move to pave the way for the anticipated defection of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Political insiders say the coordinated resignations are intended to remove internal party obstacles ahead of the governor’s expected switch, which has been the subject of intense speculation for months.

Governor Fintiri is believed to have grown increasingly dissatisfied with the PDP following sharp disagreements with fellow PDP governors during the party’s last congress in Ibadan, Oyo State. The fallout from that meeting reportedly weakened his alignment with the party’s national leadership and strengthened discussions around a possible realignment.

Speculation intensified further after Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently visited Adamawa to commission projects executed by the Fintiri administration. The visit was also reported to have included high-level political discussions, reinforcing claims that a defection plan may be at an advanced stage.

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Those whose resignations were announced alongside that of the Speaker include the Deputy Speaker, Mohammed Buba Jidjiwa (Jada–Mbulo), Kefas Calvin (Toungo), Bulus Geoffrey (Leko–Koma), Haruna Jilantikiri (Madagali), Kefas Emmanuel (Song), Ahmed Jingi Belel (Maiha), Moses Yerima Zah (Michika), Kate Raymond Mamuno (Demsa), Pwamwakeno Mackondo (Numan), Adun John Alaba (Uba–Gaya), Bulus Kantom (Shelleng), Musa Mahmud Kallamu (Mayo Belwa), and Japhet Hammanjabu (Verre). The lawmaker representing Lamurde State Constituency, Bauna Myandiasa, was notably absent during the plenary session.

Speaking to journalists after the sitting, Musa Mahmud Kallamu, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, said the lawmakers are currently consulting with their constituents, stressing that their final political destination will largely depend on the decision of Governor Fintiri. He noted that the group is keen on moving in a unified direction once consultations are concluded.

Reacting to the development, the APC’s Public Relations Officer in Adamawa, Mohammed Abdullahi, described the unfolding events as evidence that President Tinubu’s administration is attracting politicians across party lines, including members of opposition parties.

Analysts say if Governor Fintiri formally defects, the APC would control 30 states nationwide, leaving the PDP with only three governors, while the Labour Party, Accord Party, and APGA would retain one governor each. Such a shift, observers note, would represent one of the most consequential political realignments in Adamawa since 2015, with significant ripple effects across the North-East and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.

As of press time, Governor Fintiri has yet to make an official declaration, but indications from political circles suggest a decision may be imminent.

Adamawa: Speaker, 13 Lawmakers Quit PDP Ahead of Fintiri’s Expected Defection to APC

ADC to Take Alleged Edo Attack on Peter Obi, Odigie-Oyegun to ECOWAS Court

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned a reported gun attack targeting its top leaders in Benin City, Edo State, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Edo State governor Chief John Odigie‑Oyegun, and former Labour Party governorship candidate Olumide Akpata. The party announced plans to petition the ECOWAS Court of Justice, describing the incident as part of an escalating pattern of political violence and intimidation against opposition figures.

According to ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the attack occurred on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, shortly after a political event marking Akpata’s formal entry into the party. Reports indicate that gunmen fired shots at the ADC secretariat and residences of party leaders, damaging vehicles and property. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, panic, and bullet-riddled gates, although the party leaders escaped unharmed. Several attendees reportedly sustained minor injuries during the commotion.

Abdullahi linked the attack to inflammatory remarks allegedly made in July 2025 by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who reportedly warned Peter Obi against visiting the state without prior notice. The ADC said the governor’s statements created an atmosphere that may have emboldened the assailants. The party emphasised that political threats and intimidation have no place in Nigeria’s democracy, asserting that no elected official has the constitutional authority to endanger lawful political actors.

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The ADC is compiling detailed reports of political violence, intimidation, and threats against its members to submit to diplomatic missions and the ECOWAS Court of Human Rights, seeking legal redress and protection for party leaders and supporters. Abdullahi warned that the party will not bow to terror and coercion, urging its members nationwide to remain vigilant and continue lawful political activities.

The incident has drawn reactions from national figures and civil society organizations. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the attack, calling it “utterly unacceptable” and urging authorities to protect political actors and ensure accountability. The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) demanded swift investigations, stressing that politically motivated violence threatens the country’s democratic stability.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Government denied involvement, describing allegations of state-sanctioned attacks on opposition members as “false and malicious.” The government reaffirmed its commitment to public safety, lawful governance, and the protection of all residents and political actors.

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the ADC’s decision to escalate the matter to the ECOWAS Court of Justice underscores growing concerns about political violence, opposition intimidation, and the protection of democratic rights. Analysts say that ECOWAS intervention could compel both federal and state authorities to act decisively to ensure accountability and safeguard opposition freedoms.

ADC to Take Alleged Edo Attack on Peter Obi, Odigie-Oyegun to ECOWAS Court