Gunmen Attack Obi in Edo Over ADC Political Realignment
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, was on Tuesday allegedly attacked by suspected thugs in Edo State amid rising political tensions linked to his association with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi was in Benin City for the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC when the incident occurred. Also reportedly targeted in the attack were former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and other ADC chieftains.
According to a statement issued in Abuja by Dr Yunusa Tanko, former campaign spokesman for Obi and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, the attack appeared to be politically motivated and connected to the ongoing realignment ahead of future elections in the state.
Tanko alleged that armed individuals trailed Obi and other ADC leaders from the party’s secretariat to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, where they opened fire at the gate and vandalized several vehicles.
“They shot at the gate and destroyed multiple vehicles in what appears to have been a coordinated attempt to intimidate and possibly assassinate key opposition figures,” the statement read, warning that the incident underscores escalating political hostility in the state.
Photos and videos released following the incident showed bullet-riddled gates and smashed SUV windscreens at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence.
The alleged attack has heightened concerns over political violence in Edo State, particularly as prominent figures shift alliances and opposition activities intensify.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
