The South East ADC Mobilisation Network and Diaspora Affairs (SEMNDA) has condemned the reported attack on Peter Obi and other chieftains of African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin City, Edo State, last Monday.
The group described the attack as a threat to democracy and civil order. It also noted that the attack allegedly perpetrated by hoodlums against Obi and other political leaders at the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, a former governor of the state, was unprovoked and politically motivated.
In a statement yesterday by the Director-General, Dr. Bryan Agu, the attack was carried out after a meeting at the party secretariat and a courtesy visit to Odigie-Oyegun.
Agu described the development as a dangerous descent into political intolerance, warning that any attempt to intimidate opposition figures through violence, not only undermines constitutional freedoms, but also places Nigeria’s democracy on what he metaphorically called “intensive care” under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“The right to freedom of movement, association, and expression as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) is not negotiable. No Nigerian should be subjected to threats, violence, or political blackmail for exercising these inalienable rights,” the statement read.
He urged the newly appointed acting Inspector General of Police (lGP), Olatunji Disu, to urgently investigate the attack and bring the culprits to justice.
The support group further noted with concern the previous warning issued by the Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, in July 2025 that Obi should seek permission before visiting the state.
He stressed that such pronouncement when juxtaposed with the subsequent attack sends troubling signals and a big threat to Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) within the democratic space and the safety of opposition leaders.