Peter Obi, Odigie-Oyegun Escape Assassination In Benin

By Charles Igbo 

Months after Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, warned Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Election not to step into Edo State without obtaining clearance from him as he cannot guarantee his security otherwise, Obi was on Tuesday, February 24, attacked by gunmen in Benin.

Attacked along with him is Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, a former Governor of Edo State and a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, 

Obi has confirmed the attack in a video now trending on social media.

National coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, told journalists that Obi and John Odigie-Oyegun, among other ADC leaders, were in Edo State to witness the former president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata, join the ADC formally.

“The leadership of the ADC is under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State,” he said.

“At the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress, armed individuals followed us from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

“They shot at the gate and destroyed several vehicles in what appears to be a failed assassination attempt on our lives.”

Akpata was the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Edo State in 2024.

The assailants, it was gathered, damaged vehicles belonging to the ADC members.

In a statement

Ibrahim Umar, Spokesperson for  Peter Obi Media Office in a statement titled:

Gunmen Attack Obi’s Convoy at Oyegun’s Home said:

“On Tuesday, unidentified gunmen brazenly trailed and shot at the convoy of Mr Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party and the leading candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the upcoming 2027 elections.

“As Obi and his team approached the residence of esteemed elder statesman and former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the attackers struck with reckless abandon. 

Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has received an overwhelming number of inquiries from concerned individuals both domestically and internationally regarding the safety of our Principal. We unequivocally confirm the attack and assure all supporters, worldwide, that Mr Obi and the other ADC leaders present in Edo remain unharmed and safe from the assault.

“In a brief address following the event, while displaying the cartridges used by the assailants, Obi expressed profound disappointment that such a heinous act could occur at the home of a respected figure like Chief Oyegun, who has served the state with honour and integrity.

“POMR calls on Nigerians and international democratic observers to take note of the alarming threats made in July 2025 by Governor Monday Okpebholo, who warned Mr Peter Obi against entering the state without permission. This threat issued in response to Obi’s charitable visit to a health institution was later refuted by the governor but highlights a troubling pattern.

“We firmly reiterate that, as a presidential aspirant, Mr Obi is entitled to freely travel and associate within Nigeria, as protected by Section 41 of our Constitution. Attempts to restrict this right will not be tolerated.”