REP URGES ACTING IGP TO INVESTIGATE ATTACK ON OBI’S CONVOY
Read Time:2 Minute, 58 Second
By: Balogun Ibrahim
A member of the House of Representatives, Mr Peter Uzokwe, has urged acting Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu to identify and prosecute those responsible for the alleged attack on Peter Obi’s convoy.
Uzokwe, representing Nnewi North-South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in Anambra State, made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja while speaking to the House of Representatives Press Corps.
Reports indicate that unidentified gunmen fired at Obi’s convoy in Benin City as he approached the residence of former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun. While some vehicles were reportedly damaged, Obi escaped unharmed.
The lawmaker, who recently joined the African Democratic Congress, condemned the attack, calling it a direct threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
He stated, “Democracy thrives on the healthy exchange of ideas, not bullets, violence, or assassination plots.”
While congratulating the new police chief, Uzokwe urged him to treat the alleged attack as a test of his leadership.
He added, “We must condemn the events in Edo State yesterday (Tuesday). This serves as a litmus test for Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunji Disu. I am calling for an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into this alarming incident.”
“The perpetrators, sponsors, and collaborators, regardless of their status, must be identified and held accountable. Failing to do so would send a dangerous message that political violence is acceptable,” Uzokwe said.
He added, “An attack on a presidential aspirant is not just an attack on an individual; it is a direct assault on our democracy, our constitutional framework, and the collective right of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders without fear, intimidation, or violence.
“It is unacceptable in a democratic society for a political figure to face such grave threats while engaging with citizens. The political arena must never be militarised or turned into a battlefield.”
The ADC lawmaker decried the rising scourge of political violence and called on leaders to consider the consequences of their actions.
He also urged Governor Okpebholo to issue a public condemnation of the attack.
Uzokwe further called on all political actors to conduct their activities with civility.
“Nigeria’s democracy is greater than any party or individual. We must collectively resist attempts to plunge our nation into chaos and lawlessness. Political disagreements must always remain within the bounds of civility and the law,” he stated.
“I urge security agencies to respond swiftly and professionally. I call on 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 opposed by all patriots who respect the rule of law and the sanctity of the ballot. We must protect our democracy, our political process, and every Nigerian’s right to aspire, campaign, and lead without fear,” Uzokwe said.
Tuesday’s attack occurred amid heightened political activity and early alignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with Obi maintaining a busy schedule of consultations and engagements nationwide.
The former Anambra State governor was reportedly in Edo State to meet political stakeholders, including former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, when the attack took place.
The incident has attracted attention due to the tense political climate in Edo following the 2024 governorship election and subsequent realignments among political actors.
Security concerns around political visits to Edo State had already been heightened after Governor Okpebholo, in July 2025, warned Obi against visiting the state without prior security clearance—a statement that sparked controversy and debate over the freedom of movement for political figures.
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