Assassination Attempt on Peter Obi Was Orchestrated by Government or Its Agents – Kenneth Okonkwo Alleges

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has accused the government and its agents of being responsible for what he described as an attempted assassination on former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. The allegation followed a gun attack on Obi’s convoy in Edo State on Tuesday, an incident that has since stirred intense political controversy and public debate.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Okonkwo asserted that the circumstances surrounding the attack strongly suggested the involvement of state actors or individuals acting on behalf of the government. According to him, the incident was not an isolated act of criminality but a politically motivated attempt to intimidate or eliminate a prominent opposition figure.

Okonkwo disclosed that he had been in contact with former Edo State governor John Odigie Oyegun, who reportedly provided him with details of the alleged assassination attempt. He argued that the attack must be viewed against the backdrop of earlier threats made against Peter Obi’s safety while visiting the state. Recalling those warnings, Okonkwo claimed that the current governor of Edo State had previously cautioned Obi against entering the state without official clearance, stating that his security could not be guaranteed.

According to Okonkwo, such public statements constituted a dangerous precedent and signaled potential threats to opposition leaders. He noted that these concerns had been discussed openly in the media long before the attack, raising questions about whether adequate steps were taken to ensure the safety of political actors during public engagements.

The ADC chieftain further explained that Obi was in Edo State to attend a political gathering organized to welcome Olumide Akpata, the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association. He alleged that the legal profession and its leadership had recently come under pressure, making the event particularly sensitive in the currenten. The welcoming party, he said, comprised a convoy of about ten vehicles led by a pilot vehicle when gunmen reportedly opened fire.

While no official casualty figures were immediately confirmed, reports indicated that the attack caused panic among attendees and heightened fears over the safety of opposition politicians. Obi was said to have escaped unhurt, but the incident has intensified concerns about political violence ahead of future elections.

The allegation has, however, drawn mixed reactions from the public and political commentators. Critics have dismissed Okonkwo’s claims as speculative and lacking concrete evidence, arguing that accusing the government without proof could further inflame political tensions. Supporters of Obi, on the other hand, insist that the attack should be thoroughly investigated, emphasizing that repeated threats against opposition figures should not be ignored in a democratic society.

So far, neither the federal government nor Edo State authorities have officially responded to Okonkwo’s allegations. Security agencies are yet to issue a detailed statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the attack or confirming whether an investigation has been launched.

As political actors trade accusations and counter-accusations, civil society groups and observers have called for restraint, urging leaders to avoid rhetoric that could escalate tensions. They also stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of all political actors, regardless of party affiliation, as Nigeria navigates an increasingly polarized political climate.