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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called the attack on its leaders, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi, in Edo State a “grave and disturbing development,” suggesting a connection to a prior warning allegedly issued by the state governor.

In a statement released on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the attack did not occur in isolation but followed threats allegedly made last year, cautioning Obi against visiting Edo State.

“Today’s attack on Mr Peter Obi and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress is a grave and disturbing development, especially in light of the threats issued last year by the Governor of Edo State, warning Mr Obi not to come to Edo State,” the statement read.

The party added that while it initially considered the warning as political rhetoric, it never imagined it could escalate into what it described as a possible assassination attempt.

“We did not anticipate at the time that the alleged threat could include an assassination plot,” the statement added.

Condemning the incident, the ADC said violence and intimidation had no place in a democratic society, noting that such tactics are often employed by those who fear the electorate.

“Violence and intimidation are the weapons of those who fear the will of the people. Such actions stain our democracy and must be condemned by all who believe in freedom,”Abdullahi said.

The party insisted that the alleged attack undermines democratic values and threatens the fundamental freedoms of citizens and opposition figures.

Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful political engagement, the ADC declared that it would not be cowed by threats or acts of violence.

“The ADC will neither bow nor retreat. We will stand firm, speak without fear, and continue the peaceful struggle for a Nigeria where the opposition is not punished and every citizen is free,” the statement added.

Earlier, Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, raised the alarm over the incident.

Tanko alleged that Obi, a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, and other ADC chieftains were attacked by suspected thugs in Edo State.

According to him, the attack occurred during the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s governorship candidate in the last Edo election, into the ADC.

“They shot at the gate and destroyed several vehicles in what appears to be a successful assassination attempt on our lives. Democracy is in danger,” he said.

The incident has further heightened political tension in the state, with the ADC warning that any attempt to intimidate opposition figures would only deepen concerns about the safety of democratic participation in Nigeria.