Saturday, March 7, 2026
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has issued a stern warning following threats against him after the violent attack on opposition leaders in Benin City, declaring that no individual or group holds a monopoly on violence in Nigeria.
Obi made the remarks while reacting to the Benin City incident and threats circulating on social media warning him against visiting certain parts of Nigeria. He spoke during a visit to Peter University in Achina, Anambra State.
“I am a Nigerian, and I am free to go to any part of this country. It is a constitutional right that nobody can take away from me. But let me make it clear, nobody has a monopoly of violence,” he said.
Obi also explained why he travelled to Rivers State despite strong warnings advising him not to, saying that such threats did not deter him from honouring an earlier invitation shortly after the Benin City incident.
The Benin City Attack
The violence occurred on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, when ADC leaders — including Peter Obi — gathered at the home of party national leader Chief John Oyegun to receive former NBA President Olumide Akpata as a new party member. Armed thugs descended on the venue, sprayed bullets on the gate of Oyegun’s house, and smashed the windows of several vehicles belonging to opposition leaders. They also attacked the party secretariat.
An eyewitness account confirmed that the gates of Chief Oyegun’s residence were sprayed with bullets, and between six and seven vehicles were damaged — all within the GRA, a highbrow area of Benin City.
Background of Threats
The attack did not occur in isolation. As far back as July 2025, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo had publicly stated that Obi’s security could not be guaranteed if he visited the state without prior clearance — a threat the Obidient Movement described as having been “visibly translated into bullets” on the day of the attack.
The Obidient Movement described the assault as “a premeditated, two-pronged assassination attempt,” noting that armed assailants first invaded the ADC secretariat before trailing the convoy of leaders to Oyegun’s private residence, where they opened sporadic gunfire.
Political Fallout
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation across party lines, with critics accusing the ruling APC of fostering a climate of political intolerance ahead of the 2027 general elections. Analysts warn that the Benin incident could be a sign that Nigeria is heading into a violent campaign and election season.
Obi, undeterred, has vowed to continue visiting all parts of the country, reaffirming his constitutional right to freedom of movement.
