Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, yesterday said the wave of lawlessness that trailed an attack on him and other political figures in Edo State was not unfamiliar, declaring that insecurity has long been a defining challenge in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Obi spoke against the backdrop of Tuesday’s incident in Benin City, where armed men reportedly opened fire during activities marking the formal declaration of Mr Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The former Anambra State governor was at the ADC secretariat and later at the residence of former Edo State governor and ex-national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, when the assailants allegedly struck, shooting at gates and vandalising vehicles.
In a statement, Obi expressed appreciation to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora who reached out in solidarity following the incident.
“I am profoundly grateful to Nigerians from around the world for your prayers, calls and solidarity,” he said, describing the moment as trying but reflective of a broader national concern.
He also extended support to Odigie-Oyegun and former Edo State governor, Prof Oserheimen Osunbor, noting that public encouragement had strengthened his belief in Nigeria’s shared humanity and collective aspiration for a better future.
The alarm over the attack was first raised by the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, who alleged that Obi and ADC leaders were trailed from the party secretariat to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence.
According to him, several vehicles were damaged and gates riddled with bullets in what he described as a near-fatal assault. Images circulating on social media showed shattered windscreens and visible impact marks, further heightening concerns over political tensions in the state.
The development comes months after Governor Monday Okpebholo warned that Obi should notify the state government ahead of any visit to Edo, citing security considerations. The governor had argued that a previous visit coincided with unrest that claimed lives, insisting the directive was purely precautionary.
However, the Edo State Government dismissed suggestions of any official involvement in the latest attack, describing such claims as false and politically motivated. In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, the administration maintained it had no hand in targeting any political figure or party.
The government further indicated that the incident occurred amid internal disagreements within the ADC, alleging that a faction led by a former Senate Chief Whip was excluded from a meeting at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence.
Reflecting on the attack, Obi said experiences of violence and disorder were not new to him, recalling how insecurity in Anambra State years ago influenced his decision to contest for governorship.
“Leadership must restore order, security and public trust,” he said, adding that the present climate of lawlessness across the country demands courage and civic responsibility rather than retreat.
Quoting the ancient philosopher Plato, Obi warned that when good citizens withdraw from governance, they risk being governed by those lacking integrity.
He urged Nigerians to remain resolute in their democratic engagement, stressing the need to elect leaders defined by competence, character and compassion.
