Nigeria’s fragile democracy faced another troubling moment on Tuesday after former presidential candidate Peter Obi and senior figures of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) reportedly came under attack in Benin, Edo State.
The allegation is serious. It speaks to safety, political tolerance, and the rule of law. However, beyond the gunshots and shattered vehicles lies a deeper national question: Are we sliding into a culture where political threats are becoming normal?
The incident, if proven, demands urgent attention.
What Happened in Benin?
According to Dr. Yunusa Tanko, former campaign spokesman to Obi and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, the attack occurred shortly after a political event in Benin.
The gathering marked the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC. Present at the event were Obi, former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, and other party leaders.
Tanko alleged that armed men trailed the delegation from the ADC Secretariat to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence. He further claimed that the attackers shot at the gate and damaged several vehicles.
If accurate, this was not mere intimidation. It was a direct assault on political actors in a democratic setting.
However, security agencies must independently verify these claims. Allegations alone cannot replace investigation. Therefore, Nigerians now look to law enforcement for clarity and accountability.
The Governor’s Statement Resurfaces
Meanwhile, the controversy has taken a sharper turn because of a trending video involving Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
In that video, widely circulated online, the governor allegedly stated that if Peter Obi entered Edo State without informing him, whatever happened would be “his business.”
That remark, at the time, drew criticism. Some dismissed it as political rhetoric. Others warned it was reckless.
Now, in light of Tuesday’s reported attack, many Nigerians are asking difficult questions.
Was the statement a casual political jab?
Or did it create an atmosphere that emboldened political violence?
Perception matters in politics. Words from elected leaders carry weight. Therefore, even indirect comments can shape public behavior.
Democracy and the Language of Power
Nigeria operates a constitutional democracy. Every citizen, including opposition figures, has the right to move freely across states. Political competition does not cancel constitutional protection.
When governors speak, they do so not just as politicians but as chief security officers of their states.
In contrast to democratic norms, rhetoric that appears to threaten political visitors sends the wrong signal. It weakens trust. It raises tension. It invites chaos.
However, fairness demands balance. A trending video does not automatically prove responsibility for an attack. The rule of law requires evidence. Nigerians must resist the urge to convict without facts.
Still, leadership demands caution. Words spoken in heated political moments can return at critical times.
The Broader Political Implication
This episode is more than a state-level issue. It touches national politics.
Peter Obi remains a significant political figure. Any perceived attack on him automatically carries national weight.
In addition, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun is a former national party chairman. An assault at his residence raises further alarm.
If political actors cannot safely attend party events, what message does that send to ordinary Nigerians?
The danger here is normalization. Once violence becomes routine, democratic space shrinks.
A Test for Edo and Nigeria
The alleged attack in Benin has exposed more than shattered vehicle glass. It has exposed the fragility of political trust.
Nigeria stands at a delicate point. Political actors must compete fiercely but peacefully. Governors must protect all citizens, including rivals. Security agencies must act without bias.
If democracy is to endure, intimidation must have no place in it.
The coming days will reveal whether this was an isolated act of violence or a warning sign of deeper tensions.
For now, Nigerians are watching — and they are asking hard questions.
