Armed gunmen on Tuesday attacked the convoy of Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party and a leading aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in what has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over political safety ahead of the 2027 elections.
The incident occurred in Benin City, Edo State, as Obi and senior ADC leaders were heading to the residence of respected elder statesman and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun. According to multiple eyewitness and party accounts, unidentified gunmen trailed the convoy and opened fire near the residence, damaging vehicles and causing panic in the area.
No casualties were recorded.
Confirming the attack, Peter Obi Media Reach, POMR, said it had received numerous inquiries from concerned Nigerians at home and abroad regarding Obi’s safety.
The media office assured the public that Obi and other ADC leaders present during the incident were unharmed and are in stable condition.
In a brief address after the incident, Obi expressed deep disappointment over the attack, describing it as “a heinous act” and regretting that it occurred at the home of a respected leader who, according to him, “has served Edo State with honour and integrity.” He also displayed spent cartridges allegedly recovered from the scene.
POMR further called on Nigerians and international democratic observers to note what it described as a troubling pattern of hostility, referencing warnings allegedly issued in July 2025 by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, cautioning Obi against entering the state without permission. Although the governor later refuted the remarks, the media office said the development underscored growing threats to political freedom.
“We firmly reiterate that, as a presidential aspirant, Mr Peter Obi is entitled to freely travel and associate within Nigeria, as guaranteed by Section 41 of the Constitution,” POMR spokesperson Ibrahim Umar said, adding that any attempt to restrict such rights should be condemned.
Meanwhile, Edo State authorities and security agencies have condemned the attack and said investigations are underway to identify the perpetrators and establish their motives. The state government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of all political actors in Edo State.
The attack has triggered reactions across the political spectrum, with opposition figures describing it as an assault on democracy, while civil society groups have called for an urgent review of security arrangements for political campaigns nationwide.
As of press time, no arrests had been announced, and police authorities said further details would be made public as investigations progress.
