Lawmaker demands police probe into alleged attack on Obi’s convoy

A member of the House of Representatives, Peter Uzokwe, has urged the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to swiftly investigate and prosecute those responsible for the alleged attack on the convoy of Peter Obi.

Uzokwe, who represents the Nnewi North–South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency of Anambra State, made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja while speaking with members of the House of Representatives Press Corps.

Reports indicate that unidentified gunmen allegedly opened fire on Obi’s convoy in Benin City as he approached the residence of a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun. While 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, warning that it poses a serious threat to democratic norms.

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

While congratulating the new police chief, Uzokwe described the incident as a critical test of leadership for the Acting Inspector-General.

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.”

He added, “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.”

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Uzokwe further stated, “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.”

Continuing, he said, “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 persistent scourge of political violence and urged leaders to reflect on the consequences of their actions. He also called on Monday Okpebholo to publicly condemn the incident.

Uzokwe further appealed to political actors to conduct their engagements with restraint and respect for the rule of law.

“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.”

He continued, “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.”

He added, “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.”

The incident occurred amid heightened political activities and early alignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with Obi maintaining an active schedule of consultations nationwide.

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

The development has further drawn attention due to the tense political atmosphere in the state following the 2024 governorship election and subsequent political realignments. Security concerns around political visits to Edo had earlier intensified after Governor Okpebholo, in July 2025, warned Obi against visiting the state without prior security notification—a remark that sparked widespread debate over the freedom of movement of political figures.

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