A public policy think tank, Neo Africana Centre (NAC), has described the recent armed attack on Peter Obi in Benin City as premeditated, warning that political intolerance in Edo State is spiralling into anarchy.
In a press statement issued by its Executive Director, Dr. Amanze Obi, the Centre expressed shock over the incident, which occurred last Tuesday when gunmen suspected to be assassins allegedly attacked Obi’s convoy. The attack reportedly happened in front of the residence of former Edo State governor, John Odigie-Oyegun, shortly after Obi and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) attended an official party event in Benin City.
The Centre said it was alarmed that Obi, whom it described as a politician without ill will toward anyone, could be targeted in such a manner. It called on security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and identify those responsible.
NAC also criticised Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, accusing him of promoting a culture of intolerance that is heightening tension in the state. The group recalled that in July 2025, Okpebholo allegedly warned Obi not to enter Edo State without security clearance — a directive the Centre described as unconstitutional and a violation of Obi’s right to freedom of movement and association.
According to the statement, the governor had previously linked Obi’s July 7, 2025 visit to Benin City — during which he donated N15 million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences — to a violent incident that occurred nearly two weeks later. The Centre said the allegation was never substantiated.
“In the light of the foregoing, we are constrained to think that what happened in Benin City on Tuesday has something to do with Okpebholo’s earlier warning to Obi. For us therefore, the attack is premeditated. It smacks of bad blood and raw hatred,” the statement read.
The group warned that the alleged assassination attempt sends a troubling signal as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, suggesting that opposition figures may no longer be safe. It urged the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough probe and make their findings public to restore public confidence.
“As we move closer to the election year, a conducive atmosphere must be created for one and all. Intimidation and armed attacks should not be brought into the mix. It is the responsibility of the Nigerian government to ensure that everyone is safe and secure,” the Centre stated.