Former Nigerian Presidential Candidate Peter Obi Survives Assassination Attempt
A failed assassination attempt targeted former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and other political figures in Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday, according to multiple reports.
The incident occurred outside the residence of former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. Gunmen opened fire on the group’s convoy shortly after they attended a political event, riddling the estate gate and several vehicles with bullets. Video footage from the scene showed extensive bullet impacts on the gate and damaged official cars.
Obi, who was the 2023 opposition presidential nominee, confirmed the attack in a video message circulated online from the scene. “This is where our democracy has reached. A former governor, and you can see what happened in front of his house, where hoodlums came shooting,” he stated. “I assure you this cannot continue; we have a country, and we are a part of it. We cannot have terrorism and have officials in government terrorising the citizens.”
The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, provided a detailed account, alleging that the assailants trailed the delegation from the venue of an earlier event—the formal declaration of Barrister Olumide Akpata as a candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—directly to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence before carrying out the attack. Tanko described it as a targeted assault on the political leaders.
The high-profile nature of the targets—including a former presidential candidate and a former ruling party chairman—has heightened concerns about political violence and security in Nigeria. Authorities have yet to announce an official investigation or make any arrests in connection with the incident. The attack underscores the persistent risks faced by politicians and the deeply polarized atmosphere surrounding Nigeria’s democratic processes.
The event is likely to draw national attention to issues of security and political tolerance as the country continues to navigate its complex electoral landscape.
