Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate and prominent opposition figure in Nigeria, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt alongside members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State on Tuesday. The incident took place during a political event in Benin, the capital of Edo State, and left several individuals injured.

Attack During Political Event

The attack occurred during the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC, according to Yunusa Tanko, the interim national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, a political support group aligned with Obi. Tanko shared a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account confirming the incident and describing the assailants as armed individuals who followed the group from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

‘PO and the leadership of the ADC are under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State,’ Tanko wrote. ‘At the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress, armed individuals followed us from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. They shot at the gate and destroyed several vehicles in what appears to be a survived assassination attempt on our lives. Democracy is in danger.’

Witnesses and Social Media Footage

According to a video circulating on social media and viewed by THE WHISTLER, an eyewitness reported that unidentified gunmen opened fire during the incident, causing panic and chaos among supporters who had gathered for the event. The video reportedly shows the aftermath of the attack, with vehicles damaged and people fleeing the scene.

Obi and other ADC chieftains reportedly escaped unharmed during the attack, while injured victims were taken to the hospital for treatment. However, the full circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the number of casualties and the identities of the attackers, remain unclear.

Security Response and Calls for Investigation

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from security agencies confirming arrests or identifying those responsible for the attack. However, police officers were seen at the scene following the incident. The lack of immediate response from authorities has raised concerns about the safety of political figures and the stability of democratic processes in the region.

Analysts have pointed to a growing pattern of violence against political opponents in Nigeria, particularly in the lead-up to major elections. Similar attacks have occurred in the past, including incidents targeting members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with some resulting in fatalities.

The attack on Obi and the ADC chieftains has sparked renewed calls for improved security measures and an independent investigation into the incident. Civil society groups and political leaders have urged the federal government to take swift action to protect democratic institutions and ensure the safety of political actors.

The incident has also raised questions about the political climate in Edo State, where tensions have been rising ahead of upcoming elections. With the 2023 presidential election still a year away, the attack has added to the sense of uncertainty and instability in the region.

Obi, who ran as a presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has been a vocal critic of the current administration and has often faced threats and intimidation. This attack is seen by some as an escalation of the pressure on opposition figures.

As the situation unfolds, the public awaits further developments from security agencies and political leaders. The incident highlights the fragile state of democracy in Nigeria and the challenges faced by opposition figures in a political environment marked by rising violence and intimidation.