Obidient Movement demands federal probe after Edo attack on Peter Obi

The group labels the incident an assassination attempt, calls for an independent investigation, and accountability

The Obidient Movement has called for immediate federal intervention following a coordinated attack on former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, and other African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders in Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday.

Attack details and government response

The attack involved armed assailants targeting the ADC secretariat on Ogbelaka Street shortly after a rally, before following the convoy of party leaders to Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s private residence, where gunfire was opened on vehicles and property. The movement described the incident as a “premeditated, two-pronged assassination attempt” and urged federal authorities to ensure accountability.

In a statement, National Coordinator Dr. Yunusa Tanko said:

• Conduct an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation free from political interference.
• Federal-level intervention by the Inspector-General of Police to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators and their sponsors.
• A public condemnation from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with directives to halt political violence nationwide.

Historical context and political implications

The movement noted that the attack follows prior threats from the Edo State Governor in July 2025, warning that Obi’s security would not be guaranteed without prior clearance. “Yesterday, that threat was visibly translated into bullets. The connection between that inflammatory rhetoric and this act of violence is impossible to ignore,” the statement said.

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The Obidient Movement further argued that the attack reflects a wider pattern of intimidation and violence against opposition leaders, criticizing initial police statements as downplaying the severity and labeling the incident “an internal party matter” as “an abdication of constitutional duty.”

Movement vows resilience

Despite the attack, the Obidient Movement reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional rights: “We will not be intimidated. We will not back down,” the statement said, insisting that opposition leaders will continue political engagement while seeking justice and safety.

The group has also urged the federal government to take concrete steps to ensure that political violence is not tolerated and that citizens’ rights are protected nationwide.