The African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned a gun attack on its national leader Peter Obi (2023 Labour Party presidential candidate), former Edo Governor and ADC chieftain John Odigie-Oyegun, and other party figures as an "assassination attempt" and act of political terrorism.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, shortly after a ceremony at the ADC secretariat in Benin City where Olumide Akpata, the 2024 Labour Party governorship candidate in Edo, formally joined the ADC.
Armed individuals reportedly trailed the convoy from the secretariat to Odigie-Oyegun's residence, opened fire at the gate, shot at vehicles, and caused destruction in what survivors described as a coordinated assault.
Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, first reported the attack on X, stating that Obi and ADC leadership were "under siege" in what appeared to be a survived assassination attempt.
In a statement released Wednesday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi described the event as part of an escalating pattern of intimidation by the ruling APC.
He accused Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo of contributing through inflammatory statements, including claims he could not guarantee Obi's safety, accusations of ADC sponsoring cultism, and threats to demolish opposition properties.
"Let it be said plainly: Nigeria is not a private estate. Edo State is not the personal property of any party or any governor," Abdullahi said.
He added: “We are compiling all cases of acts of terrorism by the ruling APC against our party. We shall soon be making our reports available to all diplomatic missions as well as the ECOWAS Court of Human Rights.”
The ADC vowed to pursue all lawful options, including international legal action at the ECOWAS Court, if such threats continue.
The party emphasized that no elected official has the authority to endanger political actors and urged vigilance while affirming rights to freedom of speech, assembly, and self-defense.
The Edo State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, describing it as hoodlums infiltrating a political gathering and causing panic after most dignitaries had left.
No arrests have been reported yet.The Edo State Government has denied any involvement, calling allegations linking officials to the attack false and malicious.
The APC has also rejected blame, with some reports indicating mutual accusations between the parties.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls from opposition groups and lawmakers for a thorough probe by the Inspector General of Police.
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