PRESS STATEMENT
Nigeria Democracy at a Crossroad: ADC Support Group Condemns Attack on Peter Obi, Describes It as Anti-Democratic and a Threat to Civil Order
The Southeast ADC Mobilisation Network & Diaspora Affairs has condemned in strong terms the reported attack on the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi and other chieftains of ADC during their visit to Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Monday, 24 February 2025, describing the incident as a grave assault on democratic values and an ominous sign for Nigeria’s political future.
In a statement issued by its newly appointed Director-General, Comrade (Dr.) Bryan Diamond Agu, the South East ADC Mobilisation Network & Diaspora Affairs (SEMNDA) which is the number One support Group of ADC in the South East expressed deep concern over what it termed “an unprovoked and politically motivated act of violence” allegedly carried out by hoodlums against Obi and other political leaders after a meeting at the party secretariat and a courtesy visit to elder statesman and former Governor of Edo State, John Odigie-Oyegun.
According to the statement, the attackers reportedly trailed the delegation to Chief Oyegun’s residence and, upon being unable to gain access to the premises, opened fire sporadically, injuring several persons and destroying vehicles before security operatives intervened.
Agu described the development as “a dangerous descent into political intolerance,” warning that any attempt to intimidate opposition figures through violence not only undermines constitutional freedoms but also places Nigeria’s democracy on what he metaphorically called “intensive care” under the current administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The right to freedom of movement, association, and expression as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) is not negotiable. No Nigerian should be subjected to threats, violence, or political blackmail for exercising these inalienable rights,” the statement read.
He urged the newly appointed acting lGP Olatunji Disu to urgently investigate the reported attack and bring the culprits to justice .
The Support Group further noted with concern the reported warning allegedly issued by the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, around July 2025 that Obi should seek permission before visiting the state, stressing that such pronouncements—when juxtaposed with the subsequent attack—send troubling signals and a big threat to Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) within the democratic space and the safety of opposition leaders.
The number 1 ADC Support Group in the Southeast maintained that political violence of this nature is not only a setback for democratic consolidation but also an open invitation to civil unrest and anarchy, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
Agu, a former Chief Press Secretary to Senator Ararume, who also serves as the Imo State ADC Director-General for Diaspora Affairs, was described in the statement as a seasoned grassroots mobilizer, politician, Media strategist, and Developmental psychologist whose multidisciplinary experience has been instrumental in building a formidable and people-driven movement across the Southeast . Under his leadership, the Network said, the ADC has expanded its structures to the polling-unit level, strengthening participatory politics and civic engagement in the zone.
Reaffirming the party’s commitment to lawful and issue-based political participation, the DG dismissed any attempt to intimidate the opposition as a sign of fear of the growing national acceptance of the African Democratic Congress and the credibility of its emerging Presidential Candidate.
“The ADC remains resolute, united, and deeply rooted among the people. In the Southeast, our structures are strong, our movement is widespread, and our confidence in delivering resounding victories in 2027 general election is unshaken,” he stated.
In addition, the Network Support Group stated that nobody has monopoly of violence and called on the Federal Government, security agencies, the Edo State Government, and the international community to thoroughly investigate the incident, bring the perpetrators to justice, and guarantee the safety of all political actors irrespective of party affiliation.
It concluded that democracy thrives on tolerance, the rule of law, and the protection of dissenting voices, warning that any deviation from these principles threatens national cohesion and the credibility of future elections.
Signed:
Comrade (Dr.) Bryan Diamond Agu.
Director-General
Southeast ADC Mobilisation Network and Diaspora Affairs( SEMNDA)
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