NNIUSA condemns attempted assassination of Peter Obi, attacks on ADC across Nigeria

New Nigeria in USA (NNIUSA), a prominent pro-democracy advocacy organization, has strongly condemned the attempted assassination of former presidential candidate Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, which took place on February 24, 2026, in Benin City, Edo State.

According to the New Nigeria in USA (NNIUSA), Comrade Osasere Osifo, eyewitness accounts and leaders of the Obidient Movement report that Mr. Obi, alongside other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including former Edo State Governor Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, were trailed by gunmen from the ADC Secretariat on Ogbelaka Street to Chief Oyegun’s residence in the Government Reserved Area of Benin City.

The attackers reportedly opened fire on the premises, riddling the gate with bullets and damaging several vehicles before fleeing upon the arrival of security personnel.

NNIUSA described the incident as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy and a dangerous escalation of political violence. “Political competition must never be conducted through intimidation, gunfire, or acts of terror. Democracy is a contest of ideas, determined peacefully by the will of the people,” the organization stated.

Reports indicate that the Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a suspect in connection with the attack. While welcoming this development, NNIUSA called for a full, transparent, and thorough investigation to ensure that all perpetrators, coordinators, and sponsors of the attack are identified and prosecuted according to the law.

The group also expressed concern over the silence of the Federal Government, emphasizing that a failure to promptly condemn such acts risks emboldening individuals seeking to undermine democratic processes. NNIUSA further rejected any attempt to restrict Mr. Obi or any Nigerian citizen from freely moving across the country, citing Section 41 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement for all citizens.

NNIUSA also condemned a related act of violence targeting the ADC. On March 5, 2026, suspected political thugs reportedly set fire to the ADC Ward Secretariat in Ubima Community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, ahead of a scheduled membership registration visit by former Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. The attackers reportedly fired at the gate of Amaechi’s family residence and engaged his convoy in a gun exchange along the Ubima-Omuanwa road.

Earlier the same day, ADC members were attacked during a sensitization program in Igwuruta Community, and party offices across Rivers State have faced repeated harassment, vandalism, and violence in recent months. NNIUSA noted that these incidents suggest a disturbing pattern of political intimidation directed at opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into the attacks. NNIUSA urged all security agencies to ensure that perpetrators and sponsors are identified and prosecuted without delay.

The organization emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected from violence, intimidation, and lawlessness, and called on political actors and their supporters to engage in politics with civility, respect for the rule of law, and a firm commitment to peaceful democratic participation.

“NNIUSA stands with all Nigerians who believe in a nation where politics is conducted with dignity, citizens can participate freely without fear, and the rule of law prevails,” said Comrade Osasere Osifo, speaking on behalf of the organization.