Former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress John Odigie-Oyegun, and several leaders of the African Democratic Congress were reportedly attacked by suspected armed thugs in Edo State on Tuesday.
The allegation was made in a statement released in Abuja by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, former spokesperson for Obi’s presidential campaign and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide.
According to the statement, the incident occurred in Benin City during political activities marking the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata as a member of the ADC. Tanko claimed that armed individuals trailed Obi and other party leaders from the ADC secretariat to the residence of Odigie-Oyegun.
He alleged that the attackers opened fire at the gate of the residence and damaged several vehicles, describing the incident as an apparent assassination attempt. Images and videos shared by the movement showed shattered windscreens of sport utility vehicles and bullet marks on the gate.
The reported attack has heightened concerns about rising political tensions in Edo State, especially amid ongoing disputes over recent elections.
The development comes shortly after the ADC candidate in the Abuja Municipal Area Council chairmanship election, Dr. Moses Paul, alongside members of the Obidient Movement, rejected the outcome of the February 21 poll. They alleged irregularities and maintained that the results did not reflect the true will of voters.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had declared Christopher Maikalangu of the All Progressives Congress winner of the election, with 40,295 votes out of 62,861 valid ballots. Paul came second with 12,109 votes, while the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party secured 3,398 votes.
In his reaction, Paul accused the electoral body of mismanaging the process, alleging voter suppression, manipulation of results, intimidation of supporters, and vote buying in several wards.
Tuesday’s incident in Edo adds to the growing political strain, as opposition figures continue to raise concerns about electoral credibility and the safety of political actors across the country.
