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Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has said his experiences with lawlessness and violence in Edo State are not unfamiliar, following an attack involving him, John Odigie-Oyegun, and other members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement on his X page, Obi said such experiences reflect earlier periods of insecurity he witnessed in Anambra State, which influenced his decision to seek leadership to restore order and public trust.
He warned that increasing lawlessness across Nigeria should prompt citizens to act with a sense of responsibility rather than fear.
Citing the philosopher Plato, Obi stressed that when good people disengage from governance, they risk being governed by poor leadership, urging Nigerians to be deliberate in their electoral choices and to seek leaders defined by competence, character, and a commitment to the national interest.
Obi added that collective courage and unity remain essential to building a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.
“Today, the growing lawlessness across our country calls upon all men and women of goodwill to step forward—not in fear but with a sense of responsibility.”
“This moment urges Nigerians to be even more resolute in electing leaders defined by competence, commitment, character, and compassion, leaders who prioritise the nation above self and service above power.”
“Together, with courage and unity, we can build the peaceful, secure, and prosperous Nigeria our people deserve.”
The attack reportedly took place during the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC.
According to Obi’s former campaign spokesman, Yunusa Tanko, armed individuals trailed party leaders from the ADC secretariat to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, where gunshots were fired at the gate, and several vehicles were damaged. He described the incident as an apparent attempt on their lives and warned that it reflects a broader threat to democratic processes.
The incident comes months after Governor Monday Okpebholo had reportedly warned that Obi should notify him before visiting the state for security reasons, citing a previous visit in July 2025 that he said coincided with renewed violence and fatalities.
However, the Edo State Government has rejected allegations linking it to the attack. In a statement, it described the claims as unfounded and misleading, insisting that no directive was issued to target any political group or individual.
The government also pointed to internal disputes within the ADC, noting that a faction led by Roland Owie was reportedly excluded from a meeting at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence around the time of the incident.
