An alleged attempt to attack former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and senior figures of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin City on Tuesday has drawn widespread condemnation and intensified concerns over political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, shortly after Obi attended a political meeting at the ADC secretariat located on Ogbelaka Street, off Sokponba Road, in Benin City. According to party officials and eyewitnesses, suspected armed men disrupted the gathering, firing gunshots that caused panic among supporters and damaged vehicles and property within the premises.
Obi was in Edo State alongside prominent ADC leaders, including former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress and current ADC chieftain, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, as well as members of the party’s national working committee. The meeting was reportedly convened to strengthen opposition alignment and welcome new political entrants into the party structure in the state.
Witnesses said the suspected attackers arrived in unmarked vehicles and on motorcycles at about firing sporadically before security personnel at the venue responded. The situation reportedly escalated as the convoy conveying Obi and other leaders departed the secretariat.
Sources within the party alleged that the convoy was trailed to the residence of Odigie-Oyegun on Reservation Road, Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin City, where further gunshots were heard. Videos circulating on social media showed shattered glass and bullet-marked gates, although no fatalities were reported.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued late Tuesday evening. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, said officers responded promptly to a distress call regarding a disturbance at the ADC secretariat.
“The Command received information about armed individuals disrupting a political meeting. Operatives were immediately deployed to restore order,” the statement said, adding that investigations were underway to identify those responsible.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, has ordered a full investigation into the incident and assured residents that law enforcement agencies would ensure accountability.
In a video message released hours after the incident, Obi condemned the attack, describing it as a troubling sign for Nigeria’s democracy.
“No Nigerian should face intimidation or violence for participating in the democratic process,” he said. “Our democracy must not be reduced to a battleground where citizens are targeted for their political beliefs.”
The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, issued a statement in Abuja on February 24, characterizing the incident as “an attempt to silence opposition voices.” He called on federal authorities to guarantee the safety of political actors across party lines.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also reacted, describing the development as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable.” In a statement posted on social media, Atiku urged President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to ensure the protection of all political leaders regardless of affiliation.
Political analysts say the incident comes at a sensitive time as opposition realignments gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections. Benin City, the capital of Edo State, has historically played a significant role in national political developments.
Edo State Government officials, however, cautioned against premature conclusions. The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Kassim Afegbua, said authorities would rely on the findings of security investigations before attributing motives.
Security experts have warned that rising political tensions could pose broader risks if not decisively addressed. They note that political violence has historically undermined public confidence in electoral processes and democratic institutions.
Civil society organisations in Abuja and Lagos have called for an independent and transparent investigation, stressing the need for accountability and preventive measures to deter future incidents.
As of Wednesday afternoon, security presence around key political offices and residences in Benin City had reportedly been reinforced.
The incident has heightened national debate over political tolerance, security preparedness, and the protection of opposition figures, with stakeholders urging restraint and adherence to democratic norms as Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle.
