Obi Reacts to Alleged Assassination Attempt on Him, Other ADC Leaders in Benin

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has addressed the alleged assassination attempt that occurred in Benin City, describing the incident as a disturbing indicator of the state of Nigeria’s democracy.

Gunmen reportedly opened fire at the residence of former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun. The attack left the estate gate and several vehicles marked by bullet holes.

In a video circulating online, Obi was seen inspecting the damaged gate. He said the development raises concerns about public safety and political tolerance in the country.

“This is where our democracy has reached,” he said, pointing to visible bullet impacts. He added that violence and intimidation should have no place in governance.

The incident reportedly occurred shortly after Obi, Odigie-Oyegun and other political figures attended the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress in Benin.

Footage from the scene showed extensive damage to vehicles parked within the compound, underscoring the scale of the shooting.

National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, alleged that the attackers trailed the group from the ADC Secretariat to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence before opening fire.

Tanko described the incident as a failed attempt targeting key political figures, stating that armed individuals shot at the gate and damaged official vehicles shortly after the meeting concluded.

Authorities had yet to release an official statement on the incident at the time of filing this report.