Mr. Peter Uzokwe, a member of the House of Representatives, has asked Tunji Disu, the acting Inspector-General of Police, to find and punish those responsible for the alleged attack on Peter Obi’s convoy.
Today in Abuja, Uzokwe, who represents the Nnewi North-South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency of Anambra State, made the call to members of the House of Representatives Press Corps.
Several sources say that gunmen who have not yet been found shot at Obi’s convoy in Benin City as he was getting close to the home of John Odigie-Oyegun, the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress. The PUNCH says that some cars were damaged, but Obi was claimed to have gotten away unharmed.
The politician, who just switched parties to the African Democratic Congress, spoke out against the event, calling it a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
He said, “Democracy thrives on healthy competition of ideas, not bullets, violence, or assassination plots.”
Uzokwe told the new police chief that the suspected assassination attempt should be seen as a test of his leadership.
He stated, “We have to speak out against what transpired in Edo State yesterday (Tuesday). Mr. Tunji Disu, the Acting Inspector General of Police, will have to pass this test. I want a fast, open, and independent investigation of this troubling event.
“The people who did it, the people who paid for it, and the people who helped must all be found and punished. Anything less than this will convey a dangerous message that violence in politics is okay.
Uzokwe went on to say, “An attack on someone who wants to be president is not just an attack on that person; it is an attack on our democracy, our constitutional order, and the right of all Nigerians to choose their leaders freely, without fear, intimidation, or violence.”
“It is unacceptable for a political figure to be in such grave danger while talking to citizens in a democratic society.” The political sphere should never be converted into a battleground or militarized.
The ADC politician said that political violence is a terrible thing and advised leaders to think about what they do.
He also asked Governor Okpebholo to publicly speak out against what happened.
Uzokwe also told politicians to act in a respectful way.
“Democracy in Nigeria is bigger than any one party or person.” We must all work together to stop anyone from trying to throw our country into turmoil and disorder. Political disagreements must stay within the limits of the law and good manners.
“I urge security agencies to act quickly and professionally.” I urge all political leaders, regardless of party, to strongly denounce this conduct. And I ask Nigerians to stay calm yet watchful.
“Take this as a warning.” All patriots who believe in the rule of law and the sanctity of the ballot will fight against any attempt to destroy democracy by violence. We need to keep our democracy safe. “We have to protect our political process and every Nigerian’s right to run for office, campaign, and lead without fear,” he said.
There was a lot of political activity and early alignments ahead of the 2027 general election yesterday. Obi was busy meeting with people and talking to people all around the country.
It was stated that the former governor of Anambra State was in Edo State to meet with political leaders, including Odigie-Oyegun, when the attack happened.
The situation has gotten a lot of attention because the political climate in the state has been volatile since the 2024 governorship race and the realignments that followed among political actors.
Security worries about political visits to Edo grew after Governor Okpebholo told Obi in July 2025 that he shouldn’t go to the state without first letting security know. This caused a lot of debate over the freedom of movement of political personalities.
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