Gunmen attack high-profile politicians in Edo State

A convoy carrying former presidential candidate Peter Obi and other senior political figures has been attacked by armed men in Benin City, Edo State. The group, which included the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, was targeted on Tuesday during a political event. According to a statement from Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, the delegation was followed by armed individuals from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat to Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s private residence.”They shot at the gate and destroyed several vehicles in what appears to be a survived assassination attempt,” Mr. Tanko said. “Democracy is in danger.”

Damage and destruction

Evidence from the scene shows several high-end vehicles with smashed windscreens and a residential gate riddled with bullet holes. The attack occurred during the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata, a former Nigerian Bar Association president, as a member of the ADC. The incident has sparked fresh concerns over political stability and the safety of opposition figures in Nigeria.

Rising political tensions

The violence in Edo State comes amid a backdrop of significant political unrest following recent local elections. Just 24 hours prior to the attack, the ADC and the Obidient Movement formally rejected the results of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship election held on 21 February. The ADC candidate, Moses Paul, has alleged widespread irregularities, including:Voter suppression and intimidation of party supporters.

Result manipulation and “vote buying” across multiple wards.

Mishandling of the process by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). While the APC’s Christopher Maikalangu was declared the winner with over 40,000 votes, the opposition maintains the figures do not reflect the “true will of the people.”The Nigerian authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the identities of the gunmen or any arrests made following the Edo State attack.