Kenneth Okonkwo, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has suggested that a recent attack on a convoy involving former Nigerian leaders was politically motivated and exposed shortcomings in the protection of opposition figures. His comments follow an alleged assault on former Labour Party presidential candidate and ADC leader Peter Obi in Benin City, Edo State, an incident that has drawn widespread attention and concern from political observers.
Reports show that gunmen opened fire during a political event in Benin City on Tuesday, targeting Obi and other ADC leaders shortly after the formal declaration of Barrister Olumide Akpata’s defection to the party. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage indicate that armed individuals trailed the group from the ADC secretariat to the residence of former APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, where several vehicles were damaged and gunshots were heard.
Okonkwo argued that the attack highlighted a failure in security arrangements for high-profile politicians and framed the violence as part of a wider pattern of intimidation against opposition voices.
According to him, “Amongst our leaders, we cannot say that they killed anybody, but other people were injured. We’re yet to know about the casualty figures because it happened today, but one thing is very telling. Three former governors were in that vehicle because I’m talking directly to Monday Okpebholo. One day, you’ll be an ex-governor, and may it be rewarded to you that in your state, you’ll be targeted. John Oyegun, former governor of Edo State; Prof. Sumbo, former governor of Edo State; and Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State.”
Okonkwo stated that despite the presence of prominent figures, there was a lack of adequate security to protect them at a politically sensitive moment, suggesting that this was part of an atmosphere of intimidation and insecurity. His remarks reflect heightened concerns among members of the ADC and other opposition groups, who have complained that some public officials and political actors have issued statements perceived as discouraging or threatening to key opposition figures….See More
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