The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has linked the alleged attack on Peter Obi and other party leaders in Benin City to what it described as an earlier threat reportedly issued by the Edo State governor.
In a statement released Tuesday, the party’s spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the incident as a “grave and disturbing development,” noting that warnings were allegedly issued last year cautioning Obi against visiting the state.
“Today’s attack on Mr. Peter Obi and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress is a grave and disturbing development, especially in light of the threats issued last year by the Governor of Edo State, warning Mr. Obi not to come to Edo State,” the statement said.
The party added that it did not anticipate that the alleged warning could extend to what it called an assassination plot, stressing that violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society.
According to the ADC, acts of violence are often deployed by those who fear the will of the people, warning that intimidation undermines democratic freedom.
Reaffirming its position, the party said it would not be deterred by threats or attacks and would continue its political activities peacefully.
Earlier, Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, raised the alarm that Obi, former All Progressives Congress national chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, and other ADC chieftains were attacked by suspected thugs during the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the party.
Tanko alleged that armed individuals trailed the group from the ADC secretariat to Oyegun’s residence, where they opened fire and destroyed several vehicles.
As of press time, security agencies and the Edo State Government had not issued official statements on the allegations.
