Presidential hopeful Peter Obi and several political leaders narrowly escaped an apparent assassination attempt on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, when gunmen opened fire on his convoy in Benin City, the capital of Edo State. The attack unfolded shortly after a political event organised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to welcome the defection of former governorship candidate Olumide Akpata into the party.
According to statements from Obi’s team and local political aides, armed men trailed the group from the ADC Secretariat on Ogbelaka Street to the residence of former APC National Chairman and elder statesman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. As the convoy approached the residence, the gunmen began firing, striking the gate and several vehicles with bullets. Windscreens were shattered and tyre damage was visible, but Obi, Oyegun and others inside the convoy emerged unhurt.
Obi’s media team released a statement confirming the incident and expressed deep concern that such violence occurred during a political visit. In a brief address after the attack, Obi displayed cartridges recovered from the scene and decried the shooting as unacceptable, especially at the home of a respected leader like Chief Oyegun. His team also pointed to earlier controversial remarks by Governor Monday Okpebholo, who months earlier had publicly warned Obi against entering Edo State without security clearance — comments some view as contributing to heightened tensions.
Police in Edo State acknowledged they responded to a distress call and reported that hoodlums had disrupted the rally at the ADC secretariat, causing damage to chairs and canopies before fleeing the scene. Authorities said no casualties had been confirmed and that security had been reinforced while investigations continue.
As of the time of reporting, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and security operatives are yet to release the results of their ongoing inquiry. The incident has raised questions about political violence and the safety of public figures in the lead-up to future elections.