BENIN-CITY: Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, alongside top leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reportedly escaped death following an alleged armed attack in Benin City on Tuesday.
The incident, described by political allies as a suspected assassination attempt, reportedly occurred shortly after a political gathering marking the formal declaration of former Edo State governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, armed men allegedly trailed Obi and other ADC chieftains from the party’s secretariat to the residence of former National Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun.
Tanko disclosed that the attackers opened fire at the entrance gate of Oyegun’s residence, destroying several vehicles parked within the premises and causing panic among political leaders and supporters present at the venue.
He alleged that the attack appeared to be a coordinated attempt on the lives of Obi and senior ADC figures attending the event.
In a statement shared via his verified social media account, Tanko raised alarm over what he described as a direct threat to democratic participation in Nigeria.
He stated that Obi and ADC leaders were under siege and attack, adding that armed individuals carried out the assault shortly after the political meeting ended.
Images circulating online showed damaged vehicles and security personnel responding to the situation, although no casualties were immediately confirmed.
Sources at the scene said the swift response of security operatives and the reinforcement of guards at the residence prevented the attackers from gaining access into the compound where the political leaders had gathered.
Obi, Oyegun and other party chieftains were subsequently evacuated from the area to safety.
As of press time, neither the Nigeria Police Force nor Edo State Government had released an official statement detailing arrests or identifying those responsible for the attack.
The incident has heightened concerns over political violence ahead of future electoral activities, with supporters warning that attacks on opposition figures could threaten democratic stability.
Political observers note that the alleged attack comes amid increasing political realignments and defections across parties ahead of upcoming national contests.
Further details are expected as investigations continue
