Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, reportedly escaped an assassination attempt on Tuesday in Benin City, Edo State, alongside chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

 

The former Anambra State governor was in Benin for political engagements with ADC leaders when the incident occurred. According to a video circulating on social media, eyewitnesses alleged that unidentified gunmen opened fire during an event involving members of the Obidient Movement, a political support group aligned with Obi.

 

The shooting reportedly triggered panic and confusion as supporters scrambled for safety.

 

On the microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter), the interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, confirmed that the incident took place in Benin.

 

“PO and the leadership of the ADC are under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State,” Tanko wrote.

 

He further stated that the attack occurred during the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC.

 

“At the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress, armed individuals followed us from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

 

“They shot at the gate and destroyed several vehicles in what appears to be a survived assassination attempt on our lives. Democracy is in danger,” he added.

 

Sources indicated that Obi and other ADC chieftains escaped unharmed. However, some individuals were reportedly injured and have since been taken to hospital for treatment.

 

While details of the attack remain sketchy, initial reports suggest the assailants specifically targeted members of the movement. The full circumstances surrounding the shooting are yet to be clarified.

 

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have not issued an official statement confirming arrests or identifying those responsible. However, police personnel were seen deployed to the scene, as investigations are expected to commence.