Former LP governorship candidate alleges targeted attack during ADC event in Edo GRA
Former Edo State governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Olumide Akpata, has described in chilling detail how he, Peter Obi, and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress narrowly escaped death during a violent shooting in Benin City earlier this week.
The incident occurred during Akpata’s formal declaration into the ADC in Edo State — a political event that quickly descended into chaos after suspected gunmen allegedly targeted both the party secretariat and the residence of former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, in the Government Reservation Area (GRA).
Intelligence Warning Before Attack
Akpata said the event was originally scheduled for 11am but was delayed until about 1pm. Before proceedings concluded, he claimed they received intelligence from what he described as “usually reliable sources” warning that the ADC Secretariat would be attacked.
“We were told to speed up our event,” he said. “We left the premises and proceeded to Chief John Oyegun’s house in the GRA. When we got there, we were told that as soon as we left, the ADC Secretariat was attacked.”
According to him, several supporters and associates were injured in the first assault, including a female cousin who allegedly suffered head injuries after a bottle was smashed on her head.
“This was not hearsay,” Akpata stressed. “I have first-hand and very credible information regarding what happened that day.”
‘Double Drive-By Shooting’ at Oyegun’s Residence
Akpata further alleged that while he and others were outside Odigie-Oyegun’s residence taking photographs, armed men drove past and opened fire.
“It was like a double drive-by,” he said. “The shooting was so intense that DSS men who were there with us had to push us back into the sitting room.”
He said they remained indoors for about 20 minutes until the attackers fled. Bullet marks were later visible on vehicles and the property’s gates.
“If there were people sitting in those cars, there’s no doubt in my mind that persons would have died,” he added.
Rejects ‘Intra-Party Crisis’ Narrative
Akpata dismissed suggestions that the violence stemmed from internal party disputes within the ADC.
“I don’t buy that,” he said. “The issues that were taking place at the ADC just the day before involved persons I know very well. They would not resort to bringing armed men into the heart of GRA in the afternoon to start firing guns.”
Instead, he described the attack as a calculated attempt to intimidate voters.
“What I think is that it is just a message being sent to the electorate — that you will participate in this process at the risk of your life. That’s an attack on democracy.”
The Edo State Government has previously denied any involvement in the incident.
Security agencies have yet to publicly release detailed findings on the shooting as investigations continue.
