The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has condemned the alleged assassination attempt on Peter Obi and John Odigie-Oyegun, describing the development as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement, Akpoti-Uduaghan said the incident was “deeply disturbing” and warned against what she described as a growing wave of political intolerance across the country.
She stressed that violence, intimidation, and threats must not be allowed to define Nigeria’s political environment, insisting that democratic competition should never descend into physical attacks on perceived opponents.
According to her, democracy thrives on healthy rivalry, freedom of expression, and respect for dissenting voices. She maintained that opposition figures have constitutional rights to organise, mobilise, and participate in the political process without fear.
The senator also expressed concern over what she termed overzealous political actors who, in an attempt to prove loyalty to political leaders, resort to harassment or aggression against opposition members. She described such actions as reckless, counterproductive, and dangerous to national unity.
Akpoti-Uduaghan called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State, Ken Imasuangbon, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rein in members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state following the reported attack on opposition figures in Benin.
Imasuangbon described the development as a dangerous signal for democracy and warned that failure to address alleged excesses could heighten tensions in Edo State. He alleged that the attack bore the “imprint of ruling party hirelings” and insisted that intimidation and political violence have no place in a democratic society.
He further stated that the presidency has a responsibility to ensure that members of the ruling party uphold democratic norms and respect the rule of law.
In addition, youths of Agulu community in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, under the aegis of the Agulu Youth Development Committee, also condemned the incident. In a statement signed by their chairman and secretary, Eric-Kenny Maduagwu and Egoh Chamberlain, the group called for a full investigation into the matter.
The youths described the alleged attack as unfortunate and warned against the escalation of political tensions, urging authorities to take proactive steps to safeguard democratic principles and protect political actors across party lines.
