Prominent Nigerian opposition figures, including Peter Obi and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), narrowly escaped what has been described by party officials as a failed assassination attempt in Benin City, Edo State.
The incident unfolded shortly after a high-profile political event marking the defection of another politician into the ADC, when armed men reportedly opened fire on the convoy and residence of former APC national chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, where the leaders had gathered.
ADC member and lawyer Kenneth Okonkwo called the attack an attempt to “wipe out opposition leaders” and accused government authorities or their agents of orchestrating the violence to intimidate political opponents and weaken opposition parties ahead of upcoming elections.
He framed the incident as reflective of a broader pattern of political intolerance.
While there were reportedly injuries and damages to vehicles and property, there were no confirmed fatalities at the time of reporting.
The police have been involved since the incident was formally reported, and investigations are expectedly ongoing.
