Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has said that experiences of lawlessness are “not new” to him following an incident in Benin, Edo State, involving him and leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement issued Tuesday, Obi thanked Nigerians for their messages of support after what he described as an attack at the ADC office in Benin. He also expressed concern for former Edo State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and former Governor Oserheimen Osunbor.
The incident occurred during the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC. Obi’s former campaign spokesman, Yunusa Tanko, alleged that armed individuals followed party members from the ADC secretariat to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, fired shots and damaged vehicles. He described the development as a threat to democracy.
Photos and videos shared online showed damaged vehicles and a gate marked by bullet holes. Authorities have not publicly confirmed details of the alleged shooting.
The Edo State Government denied any involvement. In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the government described claims of targeted attacks as “false and malicious,” adding that no directive was issued to target any political group.
Reflecting on the incident, Obi urged Nigerians to remain engaged in the democratic process and called for leadership focused on security and public trust.
