By Seyi Odewale
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, on Tuesday narrated how he and other opposition leaders came under gun attack in Benin City, Edo State, shortly after former Edo governorship candidate, Barrister Olumide Akpata, defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi spoke after suspected gunmen allegedly trailed leaders of the emerging opposition coalition from the ADC secretariat to the residence of the party’s national leader, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, where shots were fired and vehicles vandalised.
Standing at the scene of the attack, Obi warned that the development reflected a dangerous trend for Nigeria’s democracy.
“This is where our democracy has reached. Our commitment to a new Nigeria is total, but they are doing everything possible to stop us. We must build a country that works for everyone, not a few,” he said.
The incident occurred minutes after Akpata was formally received into the ADC at the party’s secretariat on Ogbelaka Street, off Sapele Road, Benin City, in the presence of Obi, Odigie-Oyegun, former governor Prof Oserheimen Osunbor, and other political leaders.
Eyewitnesses said suspected political thugs stormed the secretariat shortly after the event, destroying canopies, plastic chairs and other equipment, forcing supporters and guests to flee.
The attackers were said to have subsequently moved to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence in the Government Reservation Area, where gunshots were allegedly fired and vehicles damaged.
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, said the attackers appeared to have targeted the opposition figures.
“They followed us from the secretariat to Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s house and opened fire. They damaged vehicles and tried to create panic. This is a serious threat to democracy,” he said.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the disruption at the ADC secretariat but said no casualties were recorded.
Police said the incident occurred shortly after the political gathering.
“A group of suspected hoodlums invaded the premises and chased people away. Our personnel responded swiftly to the distress call, and the suspects fled. Some chairs and canopies were damaged, but no casualties were recorded,” the Command said.
The police added that security had been strengthened in the area, while investigations were ongoing to arrest those responsible.
Speaking earlier at the reception, Akpata said his decision to leave the Labour Party for the ADC was driven by his desire to contribute to rebuilding Nigeria.
“I am here to add value. Nigeria needs rebuilding, and I believe this platform offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully,” he said.
He thanked the party leadership for accepting him and expressed confidence in the coalition’s future.
Odigie-Oyegun described Akpata’s defection as a sign of the party’s growing strength.
“Our ranks are growing daily, both in number and quality. Nigeria is a nation that needs to be rescued,” he said.
Former governor Osunbor also expressed optimism about the coalition’s prospects, saying it would play a decisive role in Nigeria’s political future.
Despite the attack, ADC leaders insisted the incident would not deter their political activities, vowing to continue mobilising Nigerians for political change.
