Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over what it described as a coordinated assassination attempt on its leaders in Benin City, warning that Nigeria’s democracy is facing a grave threat from what it called a campaign to intimidate and silence opposition figures.
A lawyer and member of the party’s National Working Committee, Kenneth Okonkwo, alleged that the attack bore the hallmarks of a premeditated operation, which he claimed was linked to government interests. He described the incident as “genocide against political opponents.”
Speaking on ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Okonkwo maintained that the violence was not random but part of a broader strategy to weaken opposition parties and clear the path for a one-party state allegedly dominated by the All Progressives Congress.
“This was not an accident. It was an assassination attempt,” Okonkwo said, accusing unnamed state actors or their agents of orchestrating the attack.
He argued that opposition parties have come under increasing pressure in recent times, adding that the growing influence of the ADC had made its leaders targets.
According to him, the attackers struck at a venue hosting prominent political figures, yet security presence was conspicuously absent. He claimed that security protection ordinarily attached to key individuals was withdrawn, leaving the gathering vulnerable.
Among those present at the time of the incident, Okonkwo said, were three former governors — John Odigie-Oyegun, Oserheimen Osunbor, and Peter Obi.
He questioned how such high-profile personalities could be left without adequate security, describing the lapse as “very telling.”
Although no deaths had been officially confirmed as of the time of the interview, Okonkwo said several individuals sustained injuries, adding that casualty figures were still being compiled.
He disclosed that the matter had been formally reported to the authorities and that the Commissioner of Police subsequently paid a visit to Odigie-Oyegun. However, he expressed concern over what concrete steps would follow.
“The fear is not just about what happened,” Okonkwo said.
“It is about what this signals for opposition politics in Nigeria if those who challenge power are no longer safe.”
