An alleged assassination attempt targeted Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, and leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin, the capital of Edo State, on February 24. The incident reportedly occurred during the formal defection ceremony of former governorship candidate Olumide Akpata to the ADC, highlighting rising political tensions and security concerns in the region.

According to reports, including a statement from Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, armed individuals, suspected to be thugs, trailed Mr. Obi and ADC chieftains from the party's secretariat to the residence of former national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. Eyewitness accounts and a circulating video depict the aftermath of the attack, showing vehicles and the estate gate riddled with bullets. Peter Obi himself confirmed the attack took place shortly after they left the ADC headquarters, stating, "They shot at the gate and destroyed several vehicles in what appears to be a survived assassination attempt on our lives."

While the Edo State Police Command's spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed an "incident" involving a group of suspected hoodlums disrupting the premises and chasing attendees, she initially reported that only plastic chairs and canopies were damaged, with no casualties. However, ADC Party Chairman Kenneth Odion provided a more severe account, stating that many supporters, particularly women, sustained injuries during the attacks at both the secretariat and Chief Oyegun's residence, where vehicle windows were shattered. Mr. Odion accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the attack to intimidate other parties in Edo State.

Peter Obi subsequently reacted to the incident, unequivocally calling it an "assassination attempt" and condemning it as "totally unacceptable." He urged security agencies to protect political figures nationwide and affirmed that the incident would be officially reported. This attack follows a prior warning from Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who had stated that Mr. Obi must obtain security clearance before visiting the state. Governor Okpebholo's remarks came after Obi's July 7 visit to Benin, where he donated ₦15 million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences. The governor's "loud silence" following the latest incident has drawn criticism from civil society groups.

The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) swiftly called for a thorough investigation into the attack, with National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong blaming Governor Okpebholo and alleging that the attack was premeditated. Civil society organizations have also voiced strong condemnations. The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) described the incident as a "dangerous reminder of the persistent threat of political violence in Nigeria," emphasizing that such acts undermine democracy and constitutional rights. CISLAC demanded a transparent investigation and urged security agencies to bolster protective measures for political actors.

Similarly, Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) labeled the development as "an affront to dissent and opposition politics," cautioning that it sends a "dangerous signal ahead of the 2027 general elections." Umar Mohammed Dan’Asabe of KDI underscored the constitutional guarantee of security for all citizens and suggested political undertones to the incident, while criticizing the Edo State governor's silence. Legal practitioner Chibueze Maduka echoed these concerns, stating the incident was "very jarring" and "reminiscent of the days of rampant political assassinations in Nigeria," asserting the government's duty to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators.

Amidst these developments, Olumide Akpata's defection ceremony proceeded, with Peter Obi, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Professor Oserhiemen Osunbor, and other party chieftains receiving him. Akpata, alongside his running mate Alhaji Yusuf Asama Kadiri (SAN) and members of the Obidient Movement, expressed their commitment to adding value to the ADC. Peter Obi used the occasion to reiterate his vision for a "new Nigeria" that works for everyone, moving from consumption to production. Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, a national leader of the ADC, highlighted the party's growing strength and quality with new members like Akpata.