Gunmen Attack Peter Obi at ADC Event in Benin, Escapes Unhurt

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has allegedly escaped an assassination attempt in Benin City, Edo State, during the formal defection of Olumide Akpata to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The alarming development was disclosed on Tuesday by the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, in a terse statement titled “Breaking Red Alert in Benin, Edo State.”

According to Tanko, Obi and key leaders of the ADC came under attack by armed thugs shortly after the formal declaration ceremony held at the party’s secretariat in Benin City.

“PO and the leadership of the ADC are under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State,” Tanko said.

He alleged that the armed individuals trailed Obi and other leaders from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of former Edo State governor, John Odigie-Oyegun, where the situation escalated.

“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,” the statement added.

Though details of casualties were not immediately available as of press time, sources within the movement confirmed that several vehicles were vandalised during the attack, while security operatives reportedly intervened to restore calm.

The incident has heightened political tension in Edo State, particularly amid shifting alliances and defections ahead of critical political activities.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from security agencies in Edo State regarding arrests or investigations connected to the alleged attack.

Observers say the development underscores growing concerns about political violence and the safety of opposition figures in the country.