BENIN CITY — Chaos erupted in the Edo State capital on Tuesday, February 24, as gunmen launched a violent attack on a gathering of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), targeting the party’s 2027 presidential hopeful, Peter Obi.
Witnesses describe a harrowing scene where hoodlums invaded the venue and opened fire, specifically trailing the vehicle conveying the former Anambra Governor as he sought refuge at the residence of elder statesman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
The Attack and Aftermath
The ambush occurred during an official ADC event, leading to a frantic shootout that left supporters and bystanders scrambling for safety.
- The Pursuit:Â After the initial disruption, the attackers reportedly chased Obi’s motorcade through the streets of Benin, continuing their assault near the Odigie-Oyegun estate.
- Safety Confirmed: Despite the intensity of the gunfire and initial fears for his life, Obi’s media adviser, Valentine Obienyem, has officially confirmed that the presidential candidate survived the ordeal and is currently safe.
A Climate of Political Violence
The assassination attempt follows a series of explosive security developments across the country today, including the resignation of IGP Kayode Egbetokun and the ongoing investigation into a ₦835 million coup-plotting trail.
The Benin attack has heightened fears regarding the safety of opposition figures as the political climate becomes increasingly volatile ahead of the 2027 cycle.
IGP Resignation: The “Villa Meeting”
Simultaneously in Abuja, new details have emerged regarding the exit of IGP Egbetokun. While the Presidency officially cited “family issues,” insiders reveal he was asked to step down during a tense Monday evening meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
The move is seen as a direct response to a string of security failures, including the November 2025 abduction of 300 schoolchildren in Niger State and the recent mass killings in Kwara.
AIG Olatunji Disu has been fast-tracked to take over the Force, with his first major task likely being the investigation into today’s attempt on Peter Obi’s life.
