The Obidient Movement has called for federal intervention following the attack on Peter Obi, former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the movement described the incident as a “premeditated, two-pronged assassination attempt” and demanded an independent investigation without political interference.
“The Obidient Movement unequivocally condemns the coordinated and violent attack on Mr Peter Obi, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress in Benin City,” the statement shared by National Coordinator Dr Yunusa Tanko read.
According to the movement, armed individuals first stormed the ADC secretariat on Ogbelaka Street shortly after a rally and later trailed the convoy of party leaders to the private residence of Odigie-Oyegun, where gunfire was reportedly directed at vehicles and property.
The group urged the Federal Government to ensure accountability and outlined specific demands:
“An immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into this assassination attempt, free from the influence of state actors implicated in the attack.
“Federal-level intervention by the Inspector-General of Police to ensure the perpetrators and their sponsors are identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
“A public condemnation from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a directive to his party members in Edo State and political actors across the country to cease all acts of political violence and intimidation.”
The movement further alleged that the attack followed earlier remarks by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on July 18, 2025, regarding security arrangements for Obi’s visit to the state.
“Yesterday, that threat was visibly translated into bullets. The connection between that inflammatory rhetoric and this act of violence is impossible to ignore,” the statement said.
It added that the incident reflects what it described as a growing pattern of intimidation against opposition figures nationwide.
“Things have now regressed from mere rhetoric to actual violence and threats to life. The failure of the state in this matter is glaring.”
Reaffirming its stance, the movement declared, “We will not be intimidated. We will not back down.”
The group also faulted the initial police response, which it said downplayed the incident, and criticised the Edo State Government for reportedly describing the development as an internal party issue, insisting that authorities have a constitutional responsibility to safeguard all citizens.
