Obi Expresses Gratitude for Solidarity After Edo Attack as Atiku, ADC, Natasha Condemn Violence

Presidential hopeful Peter Obi has extended his appreciation to Nigerians for their overwhelming support following a recent attempt on his life by hoodlums in Benin City, Edo State.

Obi, who took to X to express his gratitude, thanked citizens for their prayers, phone calls, and solidarity messages after the attack on him and other members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state capital.

In his statement, the former Anambra governor specifically acknowledged the support extended during what he described as a difficult period for the families of distinguished elder statesman and former Edo governor, Chief John Oyegun, as well as former governor Professor Oserheimen Osunbor.

"Your support has strengthened my faith in our shared humanity and our collective hope for a better Nigeria," Obi stated. "My deep gratitude is reflected in my renewed commitment to serve and build our nation."

Reflecting on his political journey, Obi noted that experiences with lawlessness were not new to him. He recalled how the violence and insecurity that once plagued Anambra State shaped his determination to seek the governorship, convinced that leadership must restore order, security, and public trust.

He stressed that the growing lawlessness across Nigeria calls upon all men and women of goodwill to step forward, not in fear but with a sense of responsibility. Citing Plato, he reminded Nigerians that "the price good people pay for refusing to participate in government is to live under the rule of bad people."

Obi urged citizens to be resolute in electing leaders defined by competence, commitment, character, and compassion, emphasising that such leaders must prioritise the nation above self and service above power.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also weighed in on the incident, describing the assault on Obi as "utterly condemnable and unacceptable in any democracy."

In a strongly worded statement, Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of creating a toxic environment through inflammatory rhetoric that legitimises violence against opposition voices.

"The ruling APC appears to have escalated its intolerance from bureaucratic suppression to open aggression," Atiku declared.

He called on President Bola Tinubu and security chiefs to take immediate action to guarantee the safety of opposition leaders and their supporters, stressing that their protection constitutes a "democratic obligation" rather than a favour.

Atiku warned that "Nigeria must not descend into a theatre where politics is settled by violence," urging the government to act swiftly to stem the tide of violence and ensure that perpetrators face justice.

The ADC leadership did not mince words in their condemnation of the gun attack, describing it as reflective of a troubling pattern of political intimidation against the opposition.

National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement, accused Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo of making inflammatory claims and threats that heightened tensions in the state.

The party particularly highlighted the governor's earlier statement that he would not guarantee Obi's safety should he visit Edo State, as well as subsequent claims that ADC was sponsoring cultism in the state.

"Let it be said plainly: Nigeria is not a private estate. Edo State is not the personal property of any party or any governor," the ADC statement read. "No elected official has the constitutional authority to threaten, harass, or endanger law-abiding political actors for exercising their democratic rights."

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, also condemned the assassination attempt, describing it as a grave threat to Nigeria's democracy.

In her statement, Akpoti-Uduaghan termed the incident "deeply disturbing" and warned against the rising tide of political intolerance across the country. She stressed that violence, intimidation, and threats must not be allowed to define Nigeria's political space.

The senator expressed particular concern over what she described as overzealous political actors who resort to harassment or aggression against opposition figures to demonstrate loyalty to their leaders. She described such actions as reckless, counterproductive, and dangerous to national unity.

Senator Rowland Owie, former Chief Whip of the Senate, dismissed allegations linking him to the attack as baseless and malicious. He described such claims as a clumsy attempt by the ruling party in the state to deflect responsibility for the actions of their own organised thugs.

ADC chieftain Ken Imasuangbon called on President Tinubu to urgently rein in APC members in Edo State, warning that failure to check their excesses could plunge the state into chaos.

Meanwhile, youths from Agulu community in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, under the umbrella of Agulu Youth Development Committee, also condemned the attack on their illustrious son.

The group, in a statement signed by Chairman Eric-Kenny Maduagwu and Secretary Egoh Chamberlain, warned that any attempt on Obi's life would spell doom for the country, predicting that Nigerian masses would respond with volcanic protests.