Former Anambra State Governor and presidential hopeful of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the violent attack on the residence of a national leader of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, describing the incident as a dangerous signal for Nigeria’s democracy.
Obi spoke in Edo State during a political visit that included witnessing the defection of former Labour Party governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, to the ADC. He also paid a visit to St. Philomena College of Nursing to support ongoing institutional projects.
Reacting to the attack, Obi called on authorities to act swiftly and decisively, warning that silence could embolden further violence.
It is time to speak up. It is time those in government act. They will not be there forever. What is allowed to happen in the country today will ultimately affect all of us and the nation,” Obi stated.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over political intolerance and security lapses in parts of the country.
Odigie-Oyegun, a former governor of Edo State, expressed deep concern that the country may be drifting toward instability if such incidents continue unchecked.
He revealed that the attack followed a scheduled party meeting at the ADC secretariat. According to him, intelligence reports from a security agency warned of a planned assault, prompting the meeting to be cut short.
Shortly after attendees dispersed, armed men reportedly arrived in about ten vehicles, shooting sporadically, injuring individuals, and vandalising party property.
People were able to come in so many vehicles, shoot their way, break into the building, break the office, property and the rest of it and go away and this is a state where we have a governor and where the first duty of any government is to protect us?” Odigie-Oyegun queried.
The former governor suggested that the attack on his residence may have been connected to Obi’s presence in the state.
He alleged that there had been prior threats indicating that Obi’s security could not be guaranteed if he visited Edo without permission.
Obi was at Odigie-Oyegun’s home on a courtesy call when gunshots reportedly rang out.
“Bullets started raining all over the place in my state where I was governor. When did we degenerate to that kind of level?” he lamented.
Describing the situation as “very dangerous,” Odigie-Oyegun warned that political actors at both state and federal levels were “playing with fire,” cautioning that the consequences could be far-reaching and destabilising.
The incident adds to mounting political tension in Edo State, particularly as realignments within opposition ranks gather momentum ahead of future elections.
Observers say the unfolding events could test Nigeria’s democratic resilience, especially as key political figures call for restraint, accountability, and strengthened security coordination.
As investigations continue, both leaders insist that safeguarding democratic engagement must remain a top priority to prevent further escalation.
