Obi escapes alleged assassination attempt as political tensions escalate

Fresh concerns over political violence have emerged in Benin City following reports that former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, narrowly escaped an alleged assassination attempt after gunmen reportedly opened fire on his supporters.

The incident allegedly occurred during the formal defection of former Edo governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), an event that had drawn key political figures and supporters.

According to a statement signed by Tanko and titled “Breaking: Red Alert in Benin, Edo State,” armed men allegedly trailed Obi and other ADC leaders from the party’s secretariat to the residence of former national chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun.

The statement claimed that the attackers shot at the gate of the residence and damaged several vehicles in what was described as an apparent assassination attempt.

Despite the gravity of the allegation, there has been no official confirmation from security agencies regarding the reported gunfire, possible injuries, or arrests, leaving many details unverified as of press time.

The development comes against the backdrop of earlier remarks by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who had previously warned that Obi must obtain security clearance before visiting the state. The governor had also reportedly threatened that Obi’s future presence in Edo would not be tolerated without proper permission from him.

Those remarks followed Obi’s earlier visit to Benin, during which he donated ₦15 million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences a move that drew both praise and political reactions.

It remains unclear whether Obi sought or received formal clearance ahead of his latest visit, a question that may become central as scrutiny intensifies.

With political stakes rising and narratives sharply divided, the alleged attack has amplified concerns about the security of opposition figures and supporters, as well as the broader climate of political tolerance in Edo State.