Edo: “Attack on Peter Obi Was Attempted Assassination, Political Genocide” — ADC Chieftain Okonkwo

Kenneth Okonkwo, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Working Committee, has described the recent attack on former presidential candidate Peter Obi in Edo State as an attempted assassination and “political genocide” orchestrated by the state government.

Speaking on Arise TV on Wednesday, Okonkwo said he obtained first-hand details from ADC State Chairman and former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie Oyegun. He stressed that the incident was not an allegation but a verified attack.

“The attack on Peter Obi in Edo State was an attempted assassination by the government or their agents,” Okonkwo said. He added that Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo had allegedly warned Obi not to visit the state without clearance, implying a threat to his safety.

The ADC event, meant to welcome former Nigerian Bar Association president Olumide Apata, was disrupted when suspected hoodlums infiltrated the gathering. Okonkwo described a convoy of ten vehicles being targeted, with attackers pursuing members to Oyegun’s residence, damaging gates and vehicles.

“This was an assassination attempt. This is genocide against political opponents,” he said, linking the attack to what he described as a broader effort to suppress opposition parties in Edo State.

The Edo State Police Command confirmed unrest at the ADC State Secretariat on Ogbelaka Street, off Sapele Road, Tuesday afternoon. ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Police Public Relations Officer, said suspected hoodlums created a commotion, chased attendees away, and vandalized furniture. Patrol teams were deployed, causing the attackers to flee. No deaths were recorded, though one woman sustained injuries during the stampede.