The Obidient Movement has called for immediate federal intervention following Tuesday’s attack on former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress in Benin City, Edo State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 25, and signed by its National Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko, the movement described the incident as a “premeditated, two-pronged assassination attempt” and demanded an independent and transparent investigation.
According to the statement, armed assailants invaded the ADC secretariat on Ogbelaka Street shortly after a rally and later trailed party leaders to Odigie-Oyegun’s private residence, where gunshots were reportedly fired at vehicles and property.
“The Obidient Movement unequivocally condemns the coordinated and violent attack on Mr Peter Obi, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress in Benin City,” the statement read.
The group urged the Federal Government to order an immediate, independent and transparent investigation free from political interference.
It also called for federal-level intervention by the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that those responsible for the attack and their alleged sponsors are identified and prosecuted.
The movement further demanded a public condemnation of the attack by the President and a directive to political actors to desist from acts of violence and intimidation.
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It alleged that the attack followed earlier threats purportedly made by the Edo State Governor on July 18, 2025, that Obi’s security would not be guaranteed if he visited the state without prior clearance.
“Yesterday, that threat was visibly translated into bullets. The connection between that inflammatory rhetoric and this act of violence is impossible to ignore,” the statement added.
The group described the incident as part of a broader pattern of intimidation against opposition leaders, insisting it would continue to exercise its constitutional rights.
It also criticised the initial police statement on the incident, which reportedly referenced only damaged chairs and canopies, alleging that it downplayed the gravity of the attack.
The movement faulted the Edo State Government for describing the incident as an internal party matter, saying the comment undermined the seriousness of the situation.