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

Adeife | NAPTIP | Inspector-General of Police | Blord | El Chapo | Ezra | Shaffy Bello pic.twitter.com/GftfwQ2DvS

— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) February 24, 2026

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

ADC, Three Political Parties Face Deregistration as Abuja Court Adjourns Case

The Federal High Court Abuja has adjourned ruling in a high-stakes suit seeking the deregistration of political parties including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Action Alliance (AA) over alleged non-compliance with constitutional provisions.

Justice Peter Lifu fixed March 24, 2026, to rule on a pending joinder application and other motions in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25.

The case was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), and the affected political parties.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to interpret provisions of Section 225(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act 2022, arguing that INEC is constitutionally obligated to deregister parties that fail to meet minimum electoral performance thresholds.

According to court documents, a political party risks deregistration if it fails to secure at least 25% of votes in one state in a presidential election or win at least one elective seat at any level of government. The plaintiffs contend that the continued recognition of the affected parties allegedly breaches constitutional requirements and could undermine electoral integrity, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections. They are therefore seeking declaratory orders compelling the enforcement of INEC deregistration powers, as well as mandatory and perpetual injunctions restraining INEC from recognising the parties pending compliance.

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Originally, the suit targeted only the African Democratic Congress (ADC). However, it was later amended to include the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance, prompting the need for a joinder application currently before the court.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, a representation dispute emerged within Action Alliance, as two separate lawyers — Ibrahim Yakubu and Bello Lukman — claimed valid letters of instruction to represent the party. Justice Lifu directed both counsel to reconcile their positions, warning that the court would “do the needful” if the issue remained unresolved.

Counsel to the Accord Party, Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), also applied for leave to file a further counter-affidavit, arguing that critical facts were omitted in earlier filings and needed to be addressed in response to the amended originating summons. However, counsel to the plaintiff, Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba (SAN), opposed the move, describing the application as incompetent and unnecessary since no new facts were introduced.

Other defence lawyers, including S.E. Aruwa (SAN), sought an extension of time to regularise their court processes and filed motions challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the suit. After hearing arguments, Justice Lifu granted the applications for extension of time and deemed the plaintiff’s reply on points of law as properly filed.

The upcoming ruling is expected to significantly shape Nigeria’s political landscape. If the court compels INEC to enforce deregistration, it may reduce the number of parties eligible to contest in 2027. Legal observers say the decision could clarify the scope of constitutional provisions on political party registration, the extent of INEC’s enforcement powers, and the judiciary’s role in electoral oversight under the Electoral Act 2022.

ADC, Three Political Parties Face Deregistration as Abuja Court Adjourns Case