\n\nAbuja — Presidential hopeful Peter Obi narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Tuesday when gunmen opened fire on his convoy in Benin City, Edo State.
According to a statement from his media office, Obi was en route to the residence of former APC National Chairman and elder statesman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, when his convoy came under sporadic gunfire.
While vehicles in the convoy sustained significant damage—including shattered windshields and burst tyres—Obi and other ADC leaders present escaped unharmed.
Attack Condemned
In a brief address following the incident, Obi displayed spent cartridges recovered from the scene and expressed deep disappointment that such a brazen attack could occur at the home of a respected figure like Chief Oyegun, who has served Edo State with honour and integrity.
The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) confirmed the attack in a statement, noting that they had received an overwhelming number of inquiries from concerned supporters both locally and internationally.
Threats and Context
POMR drew attention to what it described as a “troubling pattern” of threats against the former governor, recalling a July 2025 warning issued by Governor Monday Okpebholo, who cautioned Obi against entering Edo State without permission. That warning, issued in response to Obi’s charitable visit to a health institution, was later refuted by the governor.
“We firmly reiterate that, as a presidential aspirant, Mr Obi is entitled to freely travel and associate within Nigeria, as protected by Section 41 of our Constitution. Attempts to restrict this right will not be tolerated,” the statement read.
ADC Supporters Attacked
The attack on Obi’s convoy followed closely after suspected political thugs swooped on supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) shortly after the defection of former Edo Labour Party governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, to the ADC.
Eyewitnesses reported that the thugs, who arrived in several vehicles, moved from the state secretariat to Chief Oyegun’s residence, where they shattered the windows of vehicles parked outside.
ADC Party Chairman, Kenneth Odion, alleged that the ruling party in the state was responsible for the attack, claiming the thugs stormed the secretariat after Obi and other dignitaries had departed the defection venue.
Police Confirm Incident
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the attack through its spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem. She stated that shortly after the event concluded, a group of suspected hoodlums disrupted the premises and chased attendees away.
“Some plastic chairs and canopies were damaged during the incident. No casualties were reported,” she said, adding that police personnel responded swiftly to a distress call, prompting the suspects to flee.
“Security has since been reinforced around the premises, and normalcy has been fully restored. The situation remains under control while investigations are ongoing to arrest the perpetrators of this crime,” Ikoedem disclosed.
As of press time, the identity of the attackers and the motive behind the shooting remained unknown.
