ASABA/Nigeria: The New Nigeria in USA (NNIUSA), a pro-democracy advocacy organisation, has strongly condemned what it described as an assassination attempt on the life of former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, warning that the incident signals a dangerous escalation of political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on March 22, 2026, and signed by Comrade Osasere Osifo, the group said the alleged attack, which reportedly occurred on February 24 in Benin City, Edo State, poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability and must not be ignored.
According to the statement, eyewitness accounts and reports from leaders of the Obidient Movement indicated that Obi, alongside key figures of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, were trailed by armed men from the party’s secretariat on Ogbelaka Street to Oyegun’s residence in the Government Reserved Area.
The group alleged that the gunmen opened fire on the premises, damaging vehicles and riddling the gate with bullets before fleeing upon the arrival of security personnel.
NNIUSA described the incident as unacceptable, stressing that political competition in a democratic society must be based on ideas and the will of the electorate, not violence, intimidation, or acts of terror.
While noting reports that the Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a suspect in connection with the attack, the organisation called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation to ensure that all those involved, including sponsors, are brought to justice.
The group also expressed concern over what it termed the silence of the Federal Government on the incident, warning that failure to promptly condemn such acts could embolden perpetrators and further endanger Nigeria’s democratic space.
NNIUSA reaffirmed that no Nigerian citizen, including Obi, can be restricted from moving freely within the country, citing constitutional provisions that guarantee freedom of movement.
The organisation further condemned a separate incident in Rivers State, where suspected political thugs reportedly attacked facilities and members of the ADC. It cited the arson of a ward secretariat in Ubima Community, Ikwerre Local Government Area, on March 5, 2026, ahead of a planned visit by former Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
According to the group, attackers also fired at Amaechi’s family residence and reportedly engaged his convoy in a gun exchange, while additional reports indicated that ADC members were assaulted during a sensitisation programme in Igwuruta Community the same day.
NNIUSA said the incidents reflect a troubling pattern of intimidation and violence targeting opposition political activities, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
While acknowledging that the Rivers State Police Command has commenced an investigation, the group urged all security agencies to act swiftly to identify and prosecute those responsible for the attacks.
It called on political actors and their supporters to embrace civility, respect the rule of law, and uphold peaceful democratic engagement, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected from lawlessness and violence.
NNIUSA reaffirmed its commitment to a democratic Nigeria where citizens can participate freely without fear and where political processes are guided by dignity, justice, and the rule of law.
