Kassim Afegbua, the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation has linked the recent attack on former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and other political figures in Benin City to internal crises within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Afegbua made the allegations on ARISE News on Wednesday monitored by Politics Nigeria, suggesting that members of the party who were prevented from attending a key meeting may have led to the disruption.
According to him, the ADC experienced a crisis on Monday that continued into the next day, leading to bottled-up anger and heightened tension among party leaders. He argued that the fallout from the dispute may have culminated in the attack.
“The crisis we all witnessed on Monday blocked the road that leads to the government house and at some points, I had to make a detour to get to the government house,” he said.
The commissioner maintained that available information pointed to internal grievances rather than an externally coordinated assault, noting that investigations into the incident were ongoing.
“If you listen to the leaders in the video, you will see that there were bottle-up angers and tension among all the leaders of the party to the point that the gatewas locked to prevent others from participating in the meeting,
“It was that same incident that snowballed into the crisis of yesterday. I think they sensed that Peter Obi was coming and there was going to be a defection, so those that was prevented from pertivipating ochestrated the attack,” he added.
Obi Thanks Nigerians for Solidarity After Benin Attack
In a statement issued after the attack, which targeted a defection event involving senior opposition figures, Obi highlighted the resilience shown by Nigerians and his renewed commitment to national service. “I am profoundly grateful to Nigerians from around the world for your prayers, calls, and solidarity following the incident at the ADC office in Benin yesterday,” he said. “Your support has strengthened my faith in our shared humanity and our collective hope for a better Nigeria.”
Obi specifically acknowledged the difficult moment for the family of former Edo governor Chief John Oyegun and another ex-governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor. He described the episode as part of a broader pattern of lawlessness that demands urgent national attention.
Drawing from his own political journey, Obi recalled how insecurity in Anambra State during his early career motivated his bid for governorship. “Experiences of lawlessness are not new to me. Years ago, the violence and insecurity in Anambra shaped my determination to seek the governorship of the state,” he noted.
He invoked the ancient philosopher Plato to underscore the duty of citizens to engage in governance. “As Plato reminded us, the price good people pay for refusing to participate in government is to live under the rule of bad people.”
Obi concluded with a strong appeal for unity and resolve ahead of future elections. “This moment urges Nigerians to be even more resolute in electing leaders defined by competence, commitment, character, and compassion — leaders who prioritise the nation above self and service above power. Together, with courage and unity, we can build the peaceful, secure, and prosperous Nigeria our people deserve,” he said. “A new Nigeria is POssible.”
Peter Obi and other political actors were reportedly attacked during a political engagement in Benin, the Edo State capital, an incident that has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about political violence.
