Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed deep gratitude to Nigerians at home and abroad for their outpouring of prayers, calls, and support following a violent incident at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) office in Benin City on Tuesday.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Obi described the attack — which reportedly involved gunmen trailing and shooting at a convoy of ADC leaders, including himself, former Edo State Governor Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and another former governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor — as part of a broader pattern of lawlessness sweeping the country.
“I am profoundly grateful to Nigerians from around the world for your prayers, calls, and solidarity following the incident at the ADC office in Benin yesterday,” Obi said.
“I especially appreciate your support during this difficult time for the family of the distinguished elder and former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun, who has served Nigeria honourably in various capacities, as well as for another former Governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor. Your support has strengthened my faith in our shared humanity and our collective hope for a better Nigeria.”
Obi, who narrowly escaped unharmed along with other leaders during the incident that occurred after the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC, said the show of solidarity had renewed his commitment to public service.
“My deep gratitude is reflected in my renewed commitment to serve and build our nation,” he added.
Drawing from his own experience as governor of Anambra State, where he confronted violence and insecurity, Obi said such episodes of lawlessness were not new to him but now demand urgent national action.
“Experiences of lawlessness are not new to me. Years ago, the violence and insecurity in Anambra shaped my determination to seek the governorship of the state, convinced that leadership must restore order, security, and public trust,” he stated.
“Today, the growing lawlessness across our country calls upon all men and women of goodwill to step forward—not in fear but with a sense of responsibility.”
Quoting the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, Obi warned: “As Plato reminded us, the price good people pay for refusing to participate in government is to live under the rule of bad people.”
He called on Nigerians to be more resolute in choosing leaders defined by “competence, commitment, character, and compassion — leaders who prioritise the nation above self and service above power.”
The former Anambra governor concluded with an optimistic note: “Together, with courage and unity, we can build the peaceful, secure, and prosperous Nigeria our people deserve. A new Nigeria is POssible.”
The statement comes amid heightened political tensions in Edo State ahead of future elections, with the ADC describing the Tuesday attack as an attempted assassination. Obi and other leaders were said to have been moving from the party secretariat to Chief Oyegun’s residence when the convoy came under fire. No casualties were reported, though vehicles and property sustained damage.
Obi’s message has been widely shared on social media, with many supporters echoing his call for national unity and better governance.
