Edo attack: Experiences of lawlessness are not new to me — Peter Obi
Former Labour Party presidential candidate and veteran political figure Peter Obi has described his reaction to a violent incident in Edo State, saying the “Edo attack: Experiences of lawlessness are not new to me — Peter Obi” reflects a broader pattern of insecurity that he has encountered over many years. The statement was made in the wake of an early-February incident in which Obi and several political associates were caught up in a violent confrontation that damaged vehicles and raised fresh concerns about the political climate in the state. 
At the centre of the controversy was an attack on Obi, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and other chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during a formal political event held in Benin. Footage and photos that circulated online showed bullet-riddled gates and shattered vehicle windscreens, heightening alarm over the scale of the violence. 
Reacting to the episode, Obi issued a public statement thanking Nigerians for their outpouring of support. He said: “Edo attack: Experiences of lawlessness are not new to me — Peter Obi”, stressing that his long record in public life has exposed him to similar episodes before. The former presidential aspirant cited past insecurity in his home state of Anambra as part of the experience shaping his approach to leadership and security challenges. 
A Reflection Rooted in Past Encounters
In his statement, Obi acknowledged the solidarity he received from citizens across the country and abroad after the attack. He expressed deep gratitude for the prayers and calls of support he and other victims received following the violent incident in Benin. According to his statement, the experience strengthened his belief in “our shared humanity and our collective hope for a better Nigeria.” 
Recounting earlier periods of insecurity, Obi recalled that the “Edo attack: Experiences of lawlessness are not new to me — Peter Obi” echo incidents from his tenure in Anambra State, where violence and insecurity had influenced his decision to seek the governorship there. That period, he said, convinced him of the urgent need for leadership that can restore order, security, and civic confidence. 
Obi’s reflections were not limited to his personal story. He used the moment to underscore a broader national concern — that rising instances of political and social violence threaten Nigeria’s democratic fabric if left unaddressed. “The growing lawlessness across our country calls upon all men and women of goodwill to step forward — not in fear but with a sense of responsibility,” he said, citing the philosopher Plato on the risks of civic disengagement. 
The Incident and Its Political Context
The “Edo attack: Experiences of lawlessness are not new to me — Peter Obi” narrative first emerged after what observers described as a chaotic event at the ADC office in Benin. According to the Obidient Movement Worldwide — Obi’s former campaign organisation — armed assailants followed the group from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of Chief Odigie-Oyegun. The group alleged that gates were shot at and vehicles destroyed in what they described as a failed assassination attempt. 
The violent episode occurred during the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the ADC, and it quickly became a national talking point, with critics and supporters alike weighing in on the safety of political actors in Nigeria’s volatile landscape. 
But responses were sharply divided. The Edo State Government dismissed claims that officials were involved in targeting Obi and his associates, calling such allegations “false and malicious” and cautioning against misrepresentation of the facts in ways that could create unnecessary political tension. 
https://ogelenews.ng/edo-attack-experiences-of-lawlessness
A Broader Pattern of Tension
The “Edo attack: Experiences of lawlessness are not new to me — Peter Obi” claim resonates with earlier tensions between Obi and some Edo State political figures. In July 2025, Governor Monday Okpebholo drew national attention by reportedly stressing that Obi should notify him before visiting the state, warning that his security could not be guaranteed otherwise — remarks that sparked condemnation from political opponents. 
That episode led to backlash from lawmakers and political actors who argued that no governor has the authority to restrict the movement of a Nigerian citizen. Critics described the comments as undermining constitutional rights and democracy. 
Other controversies involving Obi and accusations of lawless practices have surrounded incidents such as demolitions of property without clear court orders, which Obi previously described as examples of “coordinated lawlessness” in another context. 
What This Means for Civic Life and Democracy
Obi’s response to the Benin incident — encapsulated in his insistence that “Edo attack: Experiences of lawlessness are not new to me — Peter Obi” — is not simply an expression of personal inconvenience. He framed it as a warning about what he sees as a broader trend of political violence and insecurity that threatens Nigeria’s democratic and social order. 
In urging Nigerians to make informed choices at the ballot box, Obi said the moment calls for leaders “defined by competence, commitment, character, and compassion — leaders who prioritise the nation above self and service above power.” His comments echoed a central theme in Nigerian politics ahead of future elections: that security and rule of law must be renewed through collective engagement rather than intimidation. 
Bottom Line
The “Edo attack: Experiences of lawlessness are not new to me — Peter Obi” narrative highlights two intersecting truths: one personal, the other national. For Obi, the incident is another chapter in a long experience with political turbulence and violence. For Nigeria, it underscores real concerns about political space, civic safety, and democratic stability.
Whether this episode will catalyse productive dialogue or deepen existing divides depends on how political actors, security agencies, and civil society respond to the concerns raised in Obi’s statement.
https://punchng.com/edo-attack-experiences-of-lawlessness-are-not-new-to-me-peter-obi
