Former presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and several leaders of the African Democratic Congress were reportedly attacked by suspected thugs in Benin, Edo State, on Tuesday.
The allegation was made by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide and a former campaign spokesman for Obi, in a statement issued in Abuja.
According to Tanko, the incident occurred during political activities marking the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC. He claimed that armed individuals trailed the delegation from the party’s secretariat to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, where shots were allegedly fired.
Tanko said the attackers shot at the gate of the residence and damaged several vehicles parked within the premises. Photos and videos shared afterward showed bullet marks on the gate and shattered windscreens of SUVs.
Describing the incident as a serious threat, Tanko said it appeared to be an attempt on the lives of those present, adding that the development raises concerns about the safety of political actors and the state of democracy.
The alleged attack comes amid heightened political tension. It follows recent disputes surrounding the Abuja Municipal Area Council chairmanship election, where the Independent National Electoral Commission declared Christopher Maikalangu of the APC as winner with 40,295 votes out of 62,861 valid ballots cast.
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The ADC candidate, Dr. Moses Paul, who polled 12,109 votes, rejected the outcome, alleging irregularities including voter suppression, intimidation, and vote buying.
Tuesday’s events in Edo have further intensified concerns over political violence and electoral disputes, as opposition figures continue to call for transparency and improved security during political engagements.
