Peter Obi, Olumide Akpata Escape Assassination in Benin City – ADC Attack Described as “Attack on Democracy”

Former LP candidate Akpata recounts harrowing escape as motorcade comes under gunfire

A chilling attempt on the lives of political leaders unfolded in Benin City this week, as the motorcade of Peter Obi, 2027 presidential aspirant and former Anambra State governor, came under gunfire during the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Akpata, a former Labour Party governorship candidate in Edo State, described the attack as a targeted, violent effort to intimidate participants in the political process.

Narrow Escape

Speaking to reporters, Akpata detailed the sequence of events: “The movement of some of us to ADC was scheduled for 11 a.m., but it happened around 1 p.m. We received credible intelligence that the ADC Secretariat would be attacked. We were told to speed up our event. After leaving the premises, we proceeded to Chief John Oyegun’s house in the GRA. As soon as we arrived, we learned that the Secretariat had indeed been attacked.”

He confirmed that some family members and friends accompanying him were injured, including a cousin who suffered a head injury from a broken bottle.

Shooting Outside Chief Oyegun’s Residence

Akpata described further chaos outside Chief Oyegun’s residence, where assailants reportedly fired into the driveway. Security personnel from the DSS and SSS had to usher them indoors for safety. “If there were people sitting in those cars, there’s no doubt in my mind that persons would have died. The gates were riddled with bullets,” he said.

Political Message or Intra-Party Clash?

The Edo State government suggested the attack was an intra-party conflict. Akpata strongly rejected this, asserting that the gunmen’s actions were intended as a “message to the electorate” to discourage participation. “It’s an attack on democracy. People become reluctant to participate when they fear for their lives,” he said.

The incident underscores rising concerns over political violence in Edo State and the challenges faced by opposition parties in participating safely in public political events.