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

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