Rep Uzokwe has described the attack on Peter Obi has deeply disturbing and unacceptable in a democratic society, called on acting IGP to investigate
A member of the House of Representatives, Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe, has urged the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the alleged assassination attempt on former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benin City, Edo State.
b, a prominent Nigerian opposition figure and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, narrowly escaped an attack by gunmen in Benin City, Edo State, on February 23, 2026.
The attack occurred during an African Democratic Congress (ADC) event marking Olumide Akpata‘s defection; gunmen invaded the ADC secretariat, disrupted proceedings, and chased attendees.
Obi and others, including former APC chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, fled to Oyegun’s residence, where attackers trailed them, firing shots that damaged the gate, vehicles, and windshields—no lives were lost, but injuries were reported.
Speaking with members of the House of Representatives press corps, Rep. Uzokwe described the reported incident as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable in a democratic society,” warning that political violence poses a serious threat to national stability and the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
The lawmaker stressed that an attack on a presidential aspirant goes beyond partisan interests and should be regarded as a direct assault on the country’s constitutional democracy.
“Democracy thrives on the healthy competition of ideas, not bullets, not intimidation, and certainly not assassination plots. If political actors cannot freely engage with citizens without fear for their lives, then the foundation of our democracy is at risk,” he said.
Uzokwe insisted that the Nigeria Police Force, under the Acting IGP, must act with urgency and professionalism in addressing the matter.
“This is not a matter that should be treated lightly or politicized. The Acting IGP must ensure that a full-scale investigation is launched immediately. The perpetrators, their sponsors, and any collaborators—no matter how highly placed—must be identified and brought to justice. Anything short of that will send a dangerous signal that political violence can be tolerated,” he warned.
He also called on Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to take decisive steps to ensure the safety of all political actors in the state, noting that leadership requires accountability and responsiveness during moments of crisis.
“It is the responsibility of the state government to ensure that the political environment remains safe and conducive for all, irrespective of party affiliation. Silence or indifference in the face of such a grave development would be unacceptable,” Rep. Uzokwe added.
The federal lawmaker cautioned that Nigeria has previously paid a heavy price for politically motivated violence and must avoid a return to instability.
He further urged political leaders across party lines to condemn the alleged attack without reservation and appealed to security agencies to conduct their investigations without partisan bias.
“Our democracy is bigger than any individual or political party. We must collectively resist every attempt to drag this country into chaos and lawlessness. Every Nigerian has the right to aspire, to campaign, and to lead without fear,” he said.
Uzokwe also called on citizens to remain calm and vigilant, while allowing law enforcement agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
