A member of the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has described the attack on former presidential candidate Peter Obi in Edo State as an attempted assassination and a politically motivated assault.

Okonkwo made the allegation during an interview on Arise TV, saying he obtained details of the incident from the ADC State Chairman and former Edo State Governor, John Odigie-Oyegun, whom he described as a direct source of information about the event.

He claimed the attack amounted to “an assassination attempt” carried out by individuals he described as government agents. He also cited remarks reportedly made by the Edo State governor warning that Obi’s security would not be guaranteed if he visited the state without clearance.

Okonkwo said the gathering was organised to receive former Nigerian Bar Association president Olumide Apata when suspected hoodlums disrupted the event. He alleged that a convoy of about ten vehicles was attacked and that gunshots were fired at the venue.

According to him, the attackers chased participants from the secretariat to Oyegun’s residence, where gates and parked vehicles were allegedly damaged after the group forced entry.

Describing the incident as part of a broader political pattern, Okonkwo said it reflected what he termed efforts to suppress opposition parties. He argued that recent political developments suggest a drift toward a one-party system.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command confirmed that unrest occurred during an ADC political programme at its state secretariat in Benin City. Police spokesperson ASP Eno Ikoedem said hoodlums disrupted the event, chased participants away, and vandalised property.

The command stated that patrol teams were deployed after receiving a distress call, prompting the attackers to flee before officers arrived. It added that no fatalities were recorded, though one woman sustained injuries during the ensuing stampede.

Authorities said investigations into the incident are ongoing.