KEY POINTS

• Suspected armed thugs allegedly attacked Obi, Oyegun, and ADC members in Benin City, damaging property and injuring supporters.
• The party claims the incident was an assassination attempt following Akpata’s formal defection event.
• The attack has heightened political tensions amid recent election disputes involving the ADC.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, and members of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, were reportedly attacked by suspected armed thugs in Benin City, Edo State.
The assailants allegedly stormed the party secretariat, vandalised property, and injured supporters. Chairs, canopies, and vehicles were damaged, though no deaths were reported.

According to Yunusa Tanko, Obi’s former spokesman and coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, armed men followed party leaders from the secretariat to Oyegun’s residence after a political event welcoming Olumide Akpata into the ADC.

He alleged the attackers shot at the gate and destroyed vehicles in what he described as an assassination attempt, warning that democracy was under threat.

Tensions Rise After Defection Event

Photos and videos circulating online reportedly show shattered SUV windscreens and bullet-marked gates. The incident comes shortly after ADC’s Abuja Municipal Area Council chairmanship candidate Moses Paul rejected results of the February 21 poll, citing irregularities.

Akpata said he joined the ADC after Obi’s move from the Labour Party, stating his decision was driven by a desire to help build a “new Nigeria.” Oyegun added that the party’s strength was growing and expressed optimism about its prospects ahead of 2027.