Attack on Peter Obi premeditated – NAC

Obi

By KEN SALEM

A public policy think tank, the NEO AFRICANA CENTRE (NAC) has said that the armed attack launched on Mr Peter Obi in Benin City last Tuesday by elements suspected to be assassins was premeditated. It expressed dismay that the culture of intolerance which Governor Monday Okpebholo has been promoting in Edo State is fast degenerating into anarchy.

Reports have it that the convoy of Peter Obi, a frontline presidential hopeful, was attacked in front of the residence of the former governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. The ugly incident took place as Obi, Odigie-Oyegun and some other prominent leaders of the African Democratic Congress ( ADC) were arriving the residence of Odigie-Oyegun after they attended an official ADC event at the party’s secretariat in Benin City.

In a statement by its Executive Director, Dr Amanze Obi, the Centre said it was alarmed by the unfortunate turn of events. It wondered why Obi, the politician who harbors no ill will or disaffection against no one should be the target of such a devious plot. While calling on appropriate security agencies to launch an immediate probe into the matter, it expressed disappointment that Edo State, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, has become a haven for gunmen.

The Centre said it recalled that Governor Okpebholo had, in July 2025 warned Obi never to enter Edo State without security clearance, a directive it said was in breach of Obi’s right to freedom of movement and association. The Centre is of the view that Tuesday’s armed attack on Obi may not be unconnected with Okpebholo’s irreverent outburst of July last year. It expressed regret that Governor Okpebholo’s unfriendly disposition towards Mr Obi is fueling tension and unease in Edo State.

The statement reads in part:

“We received with shock and disappointment the ugly news of the armed attack on Mr Peter Obi in Benin City last Tuesday by yet-to-be identified gunmen. The assassination attempt is not only alarming, it sends the signal that prominent opposition figures in Nigeria like Peter Obi are no longer safe as we move closer to the 2027 general elections.