Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has said experiences of lawlessness are “not new” to him following the attack on him, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and some leaders of the African Democratic Congress in Edo State.
In a statement on Tuesday, Obi expressed appreciation to Nigerians at home and abroad who showed solidarity after the incident at the ADC office in Benin.
“I am profoundly grateful to Nigerians from around the world for your prayers, calls, and solidarity following the incident at the ADC office in Benin yesterday,” he said.
He also acknowledged support for Odigie-Oyegun and former Edo State Governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, noting that the encouragement strengthened his belief in shared humanity and hope for a better Nigeria.
The attack occurred during the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC. Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, had alleged that armed men trailed them from the ADC secretariat to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, shooting at the gate and damaging vehicles in what he described as a possible assassination attempt. “Democracy is in danger,” Tanko stated.
Images shared after the incident reportedly showed bullet-riddled gates and smashed SUV windscreens, raising concerns about escalating political tensions in the state.
The development followed earlier remarks by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who had said Obi should notify him before visiting the state for security reasons. The state government, however, dismissed allegations of targeted attacks as unfounded and politically motivated.
Reacting to the situation, Obi said, “Experiences of lawlessness are not new to me,” recalling how insecurity in Anambra State influenced his decision to seek its governorship in the past. He urged Nigerians to act with courage and responsibility, quoting Plato on the cost of political disengagement.
Obi called on citizens to elect leaders defined by competence and character, stressing that unity and collective resolve are essential to building a peaceful and secure nation.
