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Torkwase Nyiekaa
A member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Peter Uzokwe, has called on the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to immediately investigate the alleged assassination attempt on the convoy of 2027 presidential hopeful, Peter Obi.
Uzokwe, who represents Nnewi North-South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency of Anambra State, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing members of the House of Representatives Press Corps. He described the reported attack as a direct threat to Nigeria’s democracy and constitutional order.
According to multiple reports, yet-to-be-identified gunmen allegedly opened fire on Obi’s convoy in Benin City as he approached the residence of former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun. While some vehicles in the convoy were reportedly damaged, Obi was said to have escaped unhurt.
Condemning the incident, Uzokwe said democracy thrives on healthy competition of ideas, not violence or intimidation.
“Democracy thrives on healthy competition of ideas, not bullets, not violence, and certainly not assassination plots,” he said.
The lawmaker, who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urged the police chief to treat the incident as a litmus test of his leadership.
“This is a litmus test for the Acting Inspector-General of Police. I demand an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into this disturbing incident. The perpetrators, sponsors and collaborators, no matter how highly placed, must be identified and brought to justice,” he stated.
He warned that failure to act decisively would send a dangerous signal that political violence is tolerated in the country.
“An attack on a presidential aspirant is not merely an attack on an individual; it is a direct assault on our democracy, our constitutional order, and the collective right of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders without fear, intimidation or violence,” Uzokwe added.
The federal lawmaker also referenced a July 2025 warning reportedly issued by the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, cautioning Obi against visiting the state without prior security clearance. He called on the governor to publicly condemn the alleged attack and ensure the safety of all political actors within the state.
“Nigeria has paid dearly in the past for political violence, and we must not allow history to repeat itself. As the Chief Security Officer of the state, the governor must address this development and take responsibility for ensuring the safety of all political actors within his jurisdiction, irrespective of party affiliation,” he said.
Uzokwe further stressed that the political space must not be militarised or turned into a battlefield, urging leaders across party lines to denounce the incident unequivocally.
“Nigeria’s democracy is bigger than any party or individual. Political disagreements must remain within the bounds of civility and law. I urge security agencies to act swiftly and professionally, and I urge Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant,” he said.
He maintained that any attempt to undermine democracy through violence would be resisted by patriots committed to the rule of law and the sanctity of the ballot.
