Obidient movement calls for federal investigation into alleged attack on Peter Obi, John Odigie-Oyegun and ADC leaders in Benin City
The Obidient movement has called for immediate federal intervention following what it described as a coordinated attack on former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress in Benin City, Edo State.
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In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, the movement described the incident as a “premeditated, two-pronged assassination attempt” and demanded an independent and transparent investigation free from political interference.
According to the statement, armed assailants allegedly invaded the ADC secretariat on Ogbelaka Street shortly after a rally.
The attackers were said to have trailed the convoy of party leaders to Odigie-Oyegun’s private residence, where gunfire was reportedly directed at vehicles and property.
The group urged the Federal Government to ensure accountability, calling for an immediate probe and intervention by the Inspector-General of Police to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible.
It also demanded a public condemnation from President Bola Tinubu and a directive to political actors to desist from violence and intimidation.
The movement alleged that the attack followed earlier remarks attributed to the Edo State Governor on July 18, 2025, suggesting that Obi’s security would not be guaranteed without prior clearance. It argued that the alleged violence represented an escalation from political rhetoric to physical threats.
Criticising the initial police statement, which reportedly referenced only damaged chairs and canopies, the group accused authorities of downplaying the severity of the incident.
It also faulted the Edo State Government for describing the matter as an internal party issue.
The movement maintained that it would continue to exercise its constitutional rights, declaring it would not be intimidated.
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As of press time, security agencies had yet to release a detailed account of the incident or confirm the extent of damages and casualties.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
