Gunmen reportedly attacked prominent Nigerian political figures including former presidential candidate Peter Obi and former All Progressives Congress National Chairman John Odigie‑Oyegun along with several leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State on Tuesday, leading to shock and concern across political circles and among Nigerians. 

The incident unfolded in Benin City shortly after political activities tied to the formal declaration of Barrister Olumide Akpata into the ADC. Eyewitnesses and party officials said gunshots were fired at the ADC Secretariat and later at the residence of Chief Odigie-Oyegun. Authorities and supporters described the attack as a “survived assassination attempt” on the leadership of the ADC and a serious escalation in political violence in the run-up to the 2027 general election. 

According to the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, the attack began shortly after Obi and other party leaders left the ADC Secretariat in Benin City. Armed assailants allegedly trailed the convoy toward Odigie-Oyegun’s residence before opening fire. Vehicles and the estate gate were reportedly riddled with bullets, and several SUVs had shattered windscreens. 

Photos and videos from the scene showed significant damage to vehicles and the outer gate of the compound where the leaders were meeting, prompting fears that lives may have been in danger. Tanko described the incident in a statement as “a survived assassination attempt on our lives,” and warned that democracy was at risk. 

Despite the severity of the attack, initial reports indicate that Obi and Chief Odigie-Oyegun escaped unharmed. Officials and eyewitnesses confirmed that supporters and party members scattered in fear when the gunshots rang out, with some taking shelter in nearby buildings. 

Security sources also reported that at least three people were injured during a related attack on the ADC Secretariat, where suspected thugs allegedly chased attendees and damaged personal property after the main leaders had left for the meeting location. Chairs and canopies at the venue were reportedly destroyed as the crowd fled for safety. 

Political tensions in Edo State have been rising in recent weeks ahead of the general elections, and this violent outbreak has deepened worries about the security climate in the region. While no official police statement had been released at the time of filing this report, law enforcement officers were said to be at the scene and conducting an investigation into the attack. 

Many residents in the area described panic and chaos as gunshots echoed through parts of Benin City. Some witnesses said they moved quickly to safety while watching party supporters and residents rush away from the route of the attack. 

The incident has drawn attention from various civil society groups and political analysts, who have condemned the use of violence in political engagements. This is not the first time political activity in Edo State has experienced friction, but the scale of this attack — targeting senior figures linked to major parties — has raised alarms about the potential for further escalation. 

At the time of publication, there were no confirmed arrests related to the attack. Security agencies are expected to issue official updates as investigations progress, and political stakeholders have appealed to the police to swiftly bring those responsible to justice.