The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned what it described as a gun attack and assassination attempt in Edo State targeting former governor John Oyegun, party leader Peter Obi, and Olumide Akpata.
In a statement by its national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the incident reflects a troubling pattern of political intimidation against the opposition.
The party accused Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo of making inflammatory claims and threats that have heightened tensions and could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemns, in the strongest possible terms, yesterday’s disturbing gun attack and assassination attempt in Edo State targeting Chief John Oyegun, former Governor of Edo State and Chairman of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee; Mr Peter Obi, a national leader of our party; and Mr Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party candidate for Edo State who recently joined the ADC.”
“This was not an isolated incident. It bears the unmistakable marks of a dangerous and escalating pattern of political intimidation and terror against our party across the country. The resort to gunfire against lawful political actors represents an act of terrorism against the opposition, which has no place in a constitutional democracy.”
The party also alleged that the governor had earlier threatened not to guarantee Obi’s safety should he visit Edo State and accused him of making further claims that the ADC was sponsoring cultism in the state.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the attack, describing it as “utterly condemnable and unacceptable in any democracy.”
The incident reportedly occurred in Benin City when ADC leaders gathered for the formal declaration of Akpata into the party ahead of political activities in the state.
Dr Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the Obedient Movement, said the delegation noticed suspicious vehicles trailing their convoy before gunmen allegedly opened fire near Oyegun’s residence.
“What started as mild concern rapidly evolved into a dangerous situation,” Tanko was quoted as saying, adding that no casualties were recorded.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Atiku said the attack did not happen in isolation and warned that inflammatory rhetoric could fuel violence.
“The violent attack on Peter Obi, Chief John Oyegun, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, Olumide Akpata, and other Coalition ADC leaders in Benin, Edo State, is utterly condemnable and unacceptable in any democracy,” he said.
He called on President Bola Tinubu and security chiefs to ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
“Nigeria must not descend into a theatre where politics is settled by violence,” Atiku warned.