‘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 Godwin Obaseki 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

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

Peter Obi Survives Shooting in Edo as Armed Men Target ADC Leaders (VIDEO)

Former 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi on Tuesday reportedly escaped what supporters described as an assassination attempt in Edo State, after unidentified gunmen attacked a political gathering in Benin City involving leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The incident, which has heightened political tension in Edo State, occurred shortly after the formal declaration of former governorship candidate Olumide Akpata into the ADC. Party members and supporters had earlier gathered at the ADC secretariat before proceeding to the residence of former Edo State governor John Odigie-Oyegun, where the shooting was reported.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen allegedly trailed the convoy from the ADC secretariat and opened fire near the residence, shooting at the gate and damaging several vehicles parked within the premises. Videos circulating on social media showed bullet-riddled cars and panicked supporters fleeing the scene. The attack reportedly involved members of the Obidient Movement — a political support group aligned with Obi — who were present during the gathering.

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Despite the gunfire, Peter Obi escaped unharmed, alongside other ADC chieftains. However, some individuals were reportedly injured and taken to hospital, although the number and severity of casualties have not been officially confirmed.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Yunusa Tanko, interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, confirmed the attack. He wrote that Obi and ADC leaders were “under siege and attack” in Benin, alleging that armed individuals followed them from the ADC secretariat to Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s residence and opened fire. Tanko described the incident as a “survived assassination attempt,” warning that “democracy is in danger.”

As of press time, the Edo State Police Command had not issued an official statement confirming arrests or identifying those responsible. However, police officers were reportedly seen at the scene shortly after the shooting, and investigations are believed to be ongoing.

The Benin attack on Peter Obi comes weeks after reported vandalism at the ADC secretariat in Edo, further escalating concerns over political violence in Nigeria ahead of future elections. Political stakeholders have since called for calm, urging security agencies to strengthen protection for political actors and supporters while ensuring accountability for those behind the attack.

More updates are expected as authorities release official findings.

Peter Obi Survives Shooting in Edo as Armed Men Target ADC Leaders

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Peter Obi Survives Shooting in Edo as Armed Men Target ADC Leaders (VIDEO)