Benin City, Edo State – February 24, 2026
Chaos gripped Benin City yesterday as gunmen launched attacks on facilities and residences linked to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), targeting prominent opposition figures including 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Edo State Governor, John Odigie-Oyegun.
The violence erupted shortly after Obi, Odigie-Oyegun, and other ADC leaders welcomed former Nigerian Bar Association president and LP Edo 2024 governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, into the party at the ADC secretariat on Ogbelaka Street, Off Sokponba Road. Eyewitnesses reported that assailants arrived in an unmarked vehicle and on motorcycles, firing shots and destroying property, including chairs, canopies, and banners. Several party members sustained injuries.
Attack Extends to Odigie-Oyegun’s Residence
The assailants reportedly proceeded to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence on Reservation Road, where bullets riddled vehicles and the gate. A video circulating online shows the damage, while Obi described the incident as a stark warning for Nigeria’s democracy.
“This is a former governor of the state. You can see what happened in front of his house… Look at the gate, see the bullet holes, several cars damaged. That is where our democracy has reached,” Obi said.
Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, alleged that the attackers trailed ADC leaders from the secretariat, describing the events as a coordinated assault on opposition figures.
Odigie-Oyegun Warns of Escalation
Speaking to journalists, Odigie-Oyegun warned that the attacks could spark widespread chaos if unchecked. He revealed that a security alert prompted the ADC meeting to end early.
“People were able to come in so many vehicles, shoot their way, break into the building… and go away. And this is a state where we have a governor whose first duty is to protect us?” he said.
Allegations of APC Involvement
Edo State ADC Chairman, Kennedy Odion, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the attacks. He said three people were injured and several vehicles destroyed, while police promised investigations.
However, the Edo State government and APC denied involvement. Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, attributed the violence to internal ADC disputes, and APC Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, rejected claims of party complicity.
Senator Owie, another ADC leader, refuted suggestions of internal ADC strife causing the attacks, blaming the state’s governance under Governor Monday Okpebholo instead. Olumide Akpata described the assault as an attack on the opposition and a threat to democratic processes.
Police Confirm and Investigate
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the attack, saying hoodlums disrupted the ADC secretariat shortly after the event concluded. While some property was damaged, no casualties were officially reported. Security has since been reinforced at both locations.
National Reaction
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the attacks, calling them “utterly unacceptable in any democracy” and warning that inflammatory rhetoric often precedes violent action.
The attacks have intensified political tensions in Edo State, raising concerns over the safety of opposition leaders and the state of democracy ahead of upcoming elections.
