A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has alleged that the attack on former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Edo State was orchestrated by the government or its agents.
Okonkwo made the claim on Tuesday while speaking on Arise Television’s programme Prime Time, where he reacted to reports of gunmen opening fire on Obi’s convoy during a political visit to the state.
According to him, the incident amounted to an attempted assassination and followed earlier warnings issued to the former Anambra governor about visiting the state without prior clearance.
Okonkwo said he had been in contact with former Edo State governor, John Odigie-Oyegun, who he claimed provided details of the attack and the events leading up to it.
He further argued that the development should be viewed within the context of growing hostility toward opposition figures, noting that the political gathering was held to welcome Olumide Akpata, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, into the ADC.
The actor-turned-politician maintained that the circumstances surrounding the attack raise serious concerns about the safety of opposition leaders, calling for thorough investigations into the incident.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement confirming the cause of the attack or the identity of those responsible.