The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a man suspected of being behind the recent assaination attempt on the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Obi, a former governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun, and several chieftains and members of the opposition All Democratic Congress (ADC), were attacked on February 24 by armed men who fired several gunshots shortly after the party’s meeting in the state.
Shortly after the attack, one Udeme Monday Stephen was alleged to have posted on his X account @stevetom788, threatening further attacks on Obi.
The attack was said to have occurred shortly after the chieftains returned from the ADC secretariat, where they formally welcomed a former governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Olumide Akpata, into the party.
Condemning the attack, a former presidential candidate of the LP, Peter Obi, who is a chieftain of the ADC, said, “We will make a formal complaint, and I assure you that this cannot continue,” Obi told the party members in Benin City.
“We have a country, and we are part of the country. We cannot have terrorism terrorising the country and have officials in government terrorising citizens. It is unacceptable,” he added.
Similarly, the leadership of the ADC said it would neither bow nor retreat despite the attack.
“Let it be clearly understood: violence and intimidation are the weapons of those who fear the will of the people. Such actions stain our democracy and must be condemned by all who believe in freedom,” the party’s spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, said in a statement on Tuesday.
Governor Monday Okpebholo condemned the recent attack on members of the ADC.
Okpebholo, in a statement, described the incident as an internal party crisis that was taken too far.
The governor, while sympathising with the affected members of the party, noted that it was unfortunate that certain elements allegedly exploited the peaceful atmosphere of the state to perpetrate violence.
“As peace-loving people, the importation of thugs and miscreants from outside the state under the guise of party politics remains totally condemned and will not be tolerated going forward,” he said.
Nigeria’s fragile political climate took another troubling turn after gunshots rang out in Benin City. Days later, the Department of State Services (DSS) confirmed it had arrested a suspect linked to the attack on former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
The arrest followed public outrage and growing concern about political violence ahead of future elections. The incident has once again forced Nigerians to confront a hard question: Has the country learned anything from its long history of election-related unrest?
What Happened in Benin City?
The attack occurred in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, shortly after a political meeting involving leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Armed men reportedly opened fire as party members dispersed from the gathering.
Peter Obi attended the meeting alongside former Edo State governor John Odigie-Oyegun and other party figures. The event marked the formal reception of former Labour Party governorship candidate Olumide Akpata into the ADC.
Gunfire shattered what had been a routine political engagement. No deaths were officially reported. However, the message was clear. Political space remains tense.
Shortly after the attack, security agencies moved swiftly. They tracked and arrested a man identified as Udeme Monday Stephen. Authorities allege he posted threats on social media platform X, warning of further attacks against Obi.
The DSS has not released full details of the investigation. Nevertheless, the arrest signals an attempt to prevent escalation.
Peter Obi Speaks Out
Peter Obi did not mince words. He condemned the attack and vowed to file a formal complaint. He framed the incident as part of a broader pattern of intimidation.
“We cannot allow terrorism to define our politics,” he told supporters. He also warned against any form of state-backed harassment of citizens.
Obi’s language struck a nerve. His supporters argue that opposition figures face systematic pressure. However, critics say such claims require strong evidence.
Either way, the optics remain troubling. Political meetings should not end in gunfire.
The leadership of the African Democratic Congress responded firmly. Party spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi described the attack as an assault on democracy itself.
He insisted that violence reflects fear of popular will. According to him, the ADC will neither retreat nor succumb to intimidation.
The party’s tone suggests rising confidence.
In recent months, the ADC has tried to reposition itself as a serious national alternative. High-profile defections have strengthened that ambition.
However, Nigeria’s political history shows that growing influence often attracts resistance. As a result, smaller parties must balance expansion with security awareness.
It is important to avoid premature conclusions. Political gatherings often draw large crowds. Tensions sometimes rise unexpectedly. Rival supporters may act independently of party leadership.
However, leaders must set the tone. Words matter. Rhetoric shapes behaviour. When politicians frame opponents as enemies, followers may act accordingly.
On the other hand, democracy thrives on competition. Opposition activity should never invite violence.
Nigeria stands at a delicate point. Economic hardship persists. Youth unemployment remains high. Public trust in governance fluctuates. Under such pressure, political actors must choose responsibility over recklessness.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Democracy
The Benin incident may fade from headlines. Yet its implications will endure. Every attack chips away at democratic confidence.
If citizens fear attending political meetings, participation drops. When participation drops, legitimacy weakens. As a result, governance suffers.
Nigeria’s democracy cannot afford that erosion.
Therefore, authorities must conclude investigations swiftly and transparently. Political parties must commit to peaceful engagement. Civil society must demand accountability.
