Gun Attack on ADC Leaders in Edo Raises Fears of Violent Election Season
The recent gun attack on leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin City, Edo State, has sparked nationwide concern over the possibility of a violent campaign season as Nigeria approaches another round of elections.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, when prominent ADC figures gathered at the residence of Chief John Oyegun, a national leader of the party. Among those present was former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. The meeting was organised to formally receive former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata (SAN), into the ADC fold.
Akpata had previously contested the September 2024 Edo Governorship Election under the Labour Party platform but lost to the incumbent governor, Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress.
According to reports, armed individuals stormed the venue, fired gunshots at the gate of Oyegun’s residence, and vandalised vehicles belonging to opposition leaders. The attackers also targeted the ADC secretariat in the state. Party officials described the assault as an “assassination attempt,” raising alarm over what they perceive as a pattern of intimidation.
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Governor Okpebholo, however, dismissed the claims, suggesting the attack was the result of an internal crisis within the ADC that had escalated. In a personally signed statement, he condemned the importation of “thugs and miscreants” into the state under the guise of political activities, insisting that Edo remains a peaceful state.
The ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, countered the governor’s position and accused him of contributing to a hostile political atmosphere. The party referenced prior remarks allegedly made by the governor in July 2025, in which he reportedly stated that he could not guarantee Peter Obi’s safety if he visited Edo State without prior clearance.
The development has revived memories of a similar violent episode during the 2024 governorship campaign, when a police officer, Inspector Onuh Akoh, was killed at Benin Airport. Despite public outrage, the perpetrators of that attack have yet to be identified or prosecuted, further fueling concerns about accountability and impunity.
Political observers warn that such incidents, if left unchecked, could undermine democratic processes and discourage citizen participation. Freedom of movement and the right of political actors to campaign without fear are fundamental constitutional guarantees in Nigeria. When violence becomes a tool of political contestation, the credibility of elections and public trust in governance are eroded.
The exchange of accusations between the ADC and the Edo State Government underscores the need for an impartial investigation. Security agencies are being urged to thoroughly probe the attack, identify those responsible, and ensure that justice is served regardless of political affiliations.
As the country inches closer to another general election cycle, stakeholders across party lines are being called upon to prioritise peace and democratic norms. Political competition should be based on ideas, policies, and performance—not intimidation or force.
The Edo incident serves as a stark reminder that safeguarding democracy requires vigilance, accountability, and a collective commitment to non-violence. Without these, the risk of a volatile election season remains real and deeply troubling.