Benin City, February 25, 2026 —
SUNTV Global Channel reports that former presidential candidate Peter Obi narrowly escaped what the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is calling an “attempted assassination” in Edo State. The incident occurred on Tuesday during a political gathering in Benin City, where suspected hoodlums allegedly stormed the venue, creating panic and triggering a stampede.
Speaking on Arise TV, Kenneth Okonkwo, a member of the ADC National Working Committee, described the attack as a calculated move by the Edo State government to target opposition leaders. “The attack on Peter Obi in Edo State was an attempted assassination by the government or their agents,” Okonkwo stated, adding that the incident amounts to a “genocide against political opponents.”
Okonkwo claimed to have obtained first-hand information from Chief John Odigie Oyegun, former Edo State Governor and ADC State Chairman, describing how the assailants pursued the convoy and even attacked Oyegun’s residence after failing to reach their primary targets.
He further linked the attack to warnings reportedly issued by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who allegedly cautioned Obi against entering the state without clearance, implying that his security could not be guaranteed. “This is a threat to the life of opposition leaders,” Okonkwo said.
The ADC official also tied the development to broader political concerns, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to suppress opposition parties. “Having failed to eliminate all political parties, their next strategy is to target opposition leaders,” he said.
The Edo State Police Command, through ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the unrest, stating that the commotion erupted at about 2:55 PM at the ADC State Secretariat on Ogbelaka Street, off Sapele Road. According to police, the suspected hoodlums vandalized property, chased members away, and fled upon the arrival of patrol teams. No fatalities were recorded, though one woman was injured during the stampede.
The incident underscores escalating political tensions in Edo State as opposition parties continue to face mounting challenges ahead of the upcoming elections.
