Politics

Rep Asks Acting IG To Probe Attack On Obi’s Convoy In Edo

Published

2 months ago

February 25, 2026

A member of the House of Representatives, Mr Peter Uzokwe, has called on the acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to identify and prosecute those behind the alleged attack on the convoy of Peter Obi.

Uzokwe, who represents Nnewi North-South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency of Anambra State, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing members of the House of Representatives Press Corps.

According to multiple reports, some yet-to-be identified gunmen shot at Obi’s convoy in Benin City as he approached the residence of former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun. Although some vehicles were reportedly damaged, Obi was said to have escaped unhurt.

The lawmaker, who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress, condemned the incident, describing it as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

According to him, “democracy thrives on healthy competition of ideas, not bullets, not violence, and certainly not assassination plots.”

While congratulating the new police boss, Uzokwe urged him to treat the alleged assassination attempt as a test of his leadership.

He said, “We must condemn what happened in Edo State yesterday (Tuesday). This is a litmus test for the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr Tunji Disu. I demand an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into this disturbing incident.

“The perpetrators, sponsors, and collaborators, no matter how highly placed, must be identified and brought to justice. Anything short of this will send a dangerous signal that political violence is tolerated.”

Uzokwe furthersaid, “An attack on a presidential aspirant is not merely an attack on an individual; it is a direct assault on our democracy, our constitutional order, and the collective right of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders without fear, intimidation, or violence.

“it is unacceptable that in a democratic society, a political figure can be subjected to such grave danger while engaging with citizens. The political space must never be militarised or turned into a battlefield.”

The ADC lawmaker lamented the scourge of political violence and urged leaders to reflect on the consequences of their actions.

He also called on Governor Okpebholo to publicly condemn the incident.

Uzokwe further urged political actors to conduct their activities within the bounds of civility.

“Nigeria’s democracy is bigger than any party or individual. We must collectively resist every attempt to drag our nation into chaos and lawlessness. Political disagreements must remain within the bounds of civility and law.

“I urge security agencies to act swiftly and professionally. I urge political leaders across party lines to condemn this act unequivocally. And I urge Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant.

“Let this serve as a warning. Any attempt to undermine democracy through violence will be resisted by all patriots who believe in the rule of law and the sanctity of the ballot. We must protect our democracy. We must protect our political process and we must protect every Nigerian’s right to aspire, to campaign, and to lead without fear,” he added.

Tuesday’s incident occurred amid heightened political activity and early alignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with Obi maintaining an active schedule of consultations and engagements across the country.

The former Anambra State governor was said to be in Edo State to meet political stakeholders, including Odigie-Oyegun, when the attack reportedly took place.

The development has drawn attention because of the tense political atmosphere in the state following the 2024 governorship election and subsequent realignments among political actors.

Security concerns around political visits to Edo had also been heightened after Governor Okpebholo, in July 2025, warned Obi against visiting the state without prior security notification, a statement that generated controversy and debate over the freedom of movement of political figures.
(PUNCH)

Politics

BREAKING: 17 ADC Reps Follow Join NDC

Published

46 minutes ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

About 17 African Democratic Congress, ADC, lawmakers in the House of Representatives have defected to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC.

This was disclosed by Speaker Abass Tajudeen on the floor of the House on Tuesday.

Tajudeen also announced the defection of Leke Abejide from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Lawmakers who defected to the NDC include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande and Munachim Umezuruike.

Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene and Abdulhakeem Ado.

This comes barely a day after former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso defected from the ADC to the NDC.

Obi and Kwankwaso have pledged to continue their pursuit for a better Nigeria in the NDC.

Politics

JUST IN: Why I left ADC For NDC With Kwankwaso – Peter Obi Opens Up

Published

20 hours ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

A former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has given reasons why he resigned from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, alongside a former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

In a long post on X on Monday, Obi insisted it was not out of anger or ambition.

Rather, he said the move is a continuation of the quest to build a new Nigeria.

Obi wrote: “Yesterday, I formally joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside my dear brother, Engr. Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, with one clear purpose: to continue the struggle for a new Nigeria built on justice, competence, accountability, and compassion for the ordinary Nigerian.

“As I stated yesterday, this decision was not made out of anger, personal ambition, or convenience. It came after deep reflection on the present condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from the dangerous path it is currently heading.

“Over the years, I have remained steadfast in my conviction that politics should never be about individuals, positions, or personal gain. It must be about the people, especially the millions of Nigerians who today can no longer afford necessities, whose businesses are collapsing, whose children are losing hope, and whose future is becoming increasingly uncertain.

“I left the ADC for the same reason I left the Labour Party: the severe, orchestrated litigation and internal crises deliberately designed to ensure that I, alongside many other notable individuals, do not effectively participate in the electoral process. I sincerely appreciate and remain deeply grateful to the Leadership of ADC for the opportunity to work together in pursuit of a better Nigeria. I am particularly grateful to ADC Chairman Senator David Mark for his exceptional Leadership. I also deeply appreciate my Leader and elder brother YE, Atiku Abubakar, as well as other respected leaders within the party.

“As we join the NDC, I sincerely appeal to the Nigerian Government against the encouragement of unresolved litigations and the infusion of crises within political parties. Democracy must never become a weapon against the people. A healthy democracy thrives on strong institutions, credible alternatives, and the freedom of citizens to make choices without intimidation, manipulation, or fear. Opposition parties must not be weakened or destroyed, because when democracy loses balance, the people ultimately suffer.

“Nigeria today is passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history. Poverty is rising. Hunger is widespread. Insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods. Businesses are shutting down daily. Our young people are becoming discouraged, and many citizens have lost faith in the system. At a time like this, leadership must be driven not by propaganda or division, but by competence, capacity, character, and compassion.

“Our decision to join the NDC is therefore not an abandonment of values, but a continuation of the same mission we have always stood for: building a Nigeria where leadership is about service, where public resources are managed responsibly, where institutions function independently, and where every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, region, or social status, can live with dignity, security, and hope.

“I remain committed to working with all Nigerians of goodwill across political, ethnic, and religious lines. The task before us is bigger than any individual or political party. It is about the future of our children and the survival of our dear nation.

“I thank Nigerians, especially our youths and women, for remaining peaceful, resilient, and hopeful despite the enormous challenges confronting the country. I urge you not to lose faith in Nigeria. Nations do not change because people surrender to hopelessness; they change because people continue to believe, continue to sacrifice, and continue to stand for what is right.”

Politics

Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Formally Join NDC, Warn Members Against Litigation

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has warned party members to steer clear of any form of litigation that can plunge the party into chaos ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking in Abuja on Sunday after he was formally joined the party alongside the former governor of Kano State,

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso , the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party(LP), urged members to embrace dialogue in the interest of the party

“Please let there be no litigation. Party members, please don’t go to court. We want to build a party, we are not lawyers,” he pleaded.

The two political figures were received into the opposition party on Sunday at its national secretariat in Abuja.

Earlier, Obi had announced his exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Kwankwaso had indicated he was engaged in “wide-ranging consultations” with the NDC.

The National Chairman of the party, Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, presented membership cards to both leaders at the event.

Speaking afterwards, Kwankwaso said their engagement with NDC stakeholders was driven by a shared vision and ideological alignment.

“We came to discuss with stakeholders of the party and found that our ideologies and beliefs are largely the same,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to register with the NDC ahead of the deadline for party membership registration, stressing the need for broader participation in the political process.