Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the reported gunmen attack on Peter Obi, Chief John Oyegun, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, Olumide Akpata and other Coalition ADC leaders in Benin, Edo State, describing the incident as unacceptable in a democratic society.
In a statement posted Tuesday on his verified X account, Atiku condemned the attack in strong terms.
“The violent attack on Peter Obi, Chief John Oyegun, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, Olumide Akpata, and other Coalition ADC leaders in Benin, Edo State, is utterly condemnable and unacceptable in any democracy,” he stated.
The former vice-president blamed what he described as inflammatory rhetoric by elements within the ruling party in Edo State, warning that such language could embolden violence against political opponents.
“In recent times, we have witnessed reckless and inflammatory rhetoric from elements within the ruling party in Edo State, rhetoric that dangerously legitimises violence against political opponents,” Atiku said.
“Words, when weaponised, often precede actions. What happened in Benin did not occur in a vacuum.”
He expressed concern that opposition figures are increasingly becoming targets.
“Nigeria is entering a perilous phase in which opposition voices are not only harassed through state institutions but are now being physically targeted. The ruling APC appears to have escalated its intolerance from bureaucratic suppression to open aggression,” he added.
Atiku also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security chiefs to uphold their constitutional duty to protect all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs bear a constitutional responsibility to guarantee the protection of lives and property without discrimination or partisanship,” he said.
“The safety of opposition leaders and supporters is not a favour; it is a democratic obligation.”
He warned that Nigeria must not allow politics to degenerate into violence.
“Nigeria must not descend into a theatre where politics is settled by violence,” Atiku stated.
The alleged attack has further heightened political tensions in Edo State amid growing concerns about security and democratic tolerance.
