The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has linked Tuesday’s alleged attack on its leaders, including Peter Obi, to what it described as an earlier warning reportedly issued by the Edo State governor, cautioning Obi against visiting the state.
In a statement by its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the incident as “grave and disturbing,” noting that it followed threats allegedly made last year.
“The attack on Mr. Peter Obi and other ADC leaders is deeply troubling, particularly in light of earlier warnings reportedly issued by the governor advising him not to visit Edo”, the statement said.
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He said the party never imagined the threat could escalate into what it called a possible assassination attempt.
According to the ADC, Obi, former APC national chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, and other party chieftains were allegedly attacked by suspected thugs in Benin City.
Earlier, Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, said the incident occurred during the reception for Olumide Akpata, who recently defected from the Labour Party to the ADC.
Tanko alleged that armed individuals trailed the party leaders from the ADC secretariat to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, where gunshots were fired and vehicles damaged.
“They shot at the gate and destroyed several vehicles in what appears to be a failed assassination attempt. Democracy is in danger,” he said.
Condemning the incident, Abdullahi said violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society, warning that such actions undermine political freedom.
He, however, reaffirmed that the ADC would not be intimidated, insisting the party would continue its activities peacefully and lawfully.
“The ADC will neither bow nor retreat. We will continue to speak without fear and pursue a Nigeria where opposition voices are respected,” the statement added.
