Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party and leader of the Obidient Movement, has addressed the public following an alleged attack on his convoy in Edo State on February 24, 2026. The incident, described by his supporters as a potential assassination attempt, occurred in Benin City as Obi and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were traveling to the residence of former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun.

Details of the Attack

According to Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, the convoy was trailed by armed men shortly after leaving the ADC secretariat. The gunmen allegedly opened fire at the entrance of Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, riddling the gate with bullets and shattering the windscreens of several SUVs in the convoy. No injuries were reported, but the attack caused significant damage to the vehicles involved.

Obi’s Response

In a message shared on Wednesday, Obi expressed gratitude to Nigerians at home and abroad for their prayers and solidarity. He said, ‘I am profoundly grateful to Nigerians from around the world for your prayers, calls, and solidarity following the incident at the ADC office in Benin yesterday.’ The former Anambra State governor also commiserated with the family of Odigie-Oyegun and another former Edo State governor, Oserheimen Osunbor, both of whom were said to have been affected by the incident.

‘I especially appreciate your support during this difficult time for the family of the distinguished elder and former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun, who has served Nigeria honourably in various capacities, as well as for another former Governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor,’ Obi stated. He added that the outpouring of support had strengthened his resolve and deepened his faith in the country.

‘Your support has strengthened my faith in our shared humanity and our collective hope for a better Nigeria. My deep gratitude is reflected in my renewed commitment to serve and build our nation,’ he said. Obi’s comments came amid heightened tensions in the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election, which is scheduled for February 25, 2023. The incident has raised concerns about the security of political figures and the potential for violence in the electoral process.

Context and Precedents

The alleged attack on Obi’s convoy is not the first time political figures in Nigeria have faced threats or violence. In 2022, several candidates for the presidential election were targeted, with some incidents resulting in injuries and even fatalities. The Nigerian police and other security agencies have been under pressure to ensure the safety of all political candidates, especially as the election approaches.

According to reports, the Nigerian National Police Force has increased its presence in key states, including Edo, to prevent any potential threats to political leaders. However, critics argue that the police have not done enough to address the underlying issues that contribute to political violence, such as ethnic tensions and economic grievances.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the alleged attack, but the incident has already sparked discussions about the need for greater security measures for political candidates. The Labour Party has called for an independent investigation into the incident and has urged the government to take immediate action to protect the rights and safety of all political actors.

Obi’s campaign team has also announced plans to hold a press conference on Thursday to provide more details about the incident and to address concerns raised by his supporters. The press conference will include statements from Obi and other senior members of the Obidient Movement.

The attack has also drawn attention from international observers, who have expressed concern about the stability of Nigeria’s electoral process. The United Nations has called for calm and urged all political actors to engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve disputes.

The incident is expected to have a significant impact on the upcoming election, as it may influence public opinion and the security strategies of other political candidates. The Labour Party has emphasized that Obi will continue to campaign for the presidency despite the threat, stating that ‘the will of the people must be respected and protected at all costs.’