Gunmen invaded a political rally of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), on Tuesday in Benin,Edo state , forcing former presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-national chairman of the APC, John Oyegun, to flee for safety.
The rally, held at the ADC secretariat along Ogbelaka Street, off Sapele Road, was organised to formally receive former governorship candidate Olumide Akpata into the party.
Akpata had contested the 2024 Edo governorship election under the Labour Party platform before his defection.
Shots Fired at Oyegun’s Residence
Eyewitnesses said trouble started when suspicious Sienna vehicles were sighted around the venue during the rally. Sensing danger, Obi and other party leaders departed for Oyegun’s residence.
However, according to Obi’s media aide, Valentine Obienyem, the vehicles trailed the convoy to Oyegun’s home, where the attackers reportedly opened fire.
“Once Obi’s car entered the residence and the gate was shut, the Sienna buses arrived and opened fire on the convoy,” Obienyem said in a statement.
Bullet holes were later seen on the gate and several vehicles, while expended shells littered the area. Security operatives attached to the politicians were said to have returned fire, forcing the assailants to flee.
Though no deaths were recorded, sources confirmed that some persons sustained injuries, while multiple vehicles were damaged.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed that hoodlums invaded the ADC secretariat at about 2:55 p.m., disrupting the rally and damaging canopies and plastic chairs.
Police spokesperson, CSP Eno Ikoedem, said patrol teams swiftly responded to a distress call, prompting the attackers to escape.
She stated that no casualties were reported at the secretariat and that security had been reinforced in the area. However, the command did not immediately address reports of gunfire at Oyegun’s residence.
Obi Speaks
In a viral video clip, Obi confirmed the attack, describing it as unacceptable.
“The hoodlums came in front of his house shooting. If you look at the gate, you will see the bullet marks. Several cars were damaged,” he said.
The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, described the incident as an assassination attempt and warned that democracy was under threat.
Political Undercurrents
The incident comes months after Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, had publicly warned Obi against visiting the state without prior security clearance, following a controversial visit in July 2025.
Tuesday’s attack has since heightened political tension in the state, with observers calling for a thorough investigation and improved security around political gatherings.
As of press time, security operatives remained stationed around the affected areas, while party supporters expressed shock over what many described as a brazen assault on democratic engagement in Edo.
