Natasha demands probe into attack on Obi, Odigie-Oyegun

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has called on security agencies to investigate the reported atack on former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, in Edo State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the lawmaker described the incident as “deeply disturbing,” warning that rising political hostility poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

“I strongly condemn the reported assassination attempt on former Governor Peter Obi and former National Chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun, in Edo State,” she stated.

Her reaction comes amid heightened political tensions and growing concerns over the safety of opposition figures and political actors across party lines.

While details of the alleged attack remain sketchy, the development has sparked widespread debate about political intolerance and the need for restraint as political realignments gather momentum ahead of future electoral contests.

Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that violence, intimidation, and threats must never be allowed to define Nigeria’s democratic space.

“This development is deeply disturbing and has no place in our democracy. Politics must never descend into violence, intimidation, or threats against perceived opponents,” she said.

The senator expressed concern about what she described as overzealous political actors who, in their attempt to demonstrate loyalty to political leaders, resort to harassment or aggression against opposition figures.

“I am particularly concerned about overzealous political actors who, in a bid to impress or demonstrate loyalty to Mr. President or any other leader, take it upon themselves to harass or attack members of the opposition. Such actions are reckless, counterproductive, and dangerous to our national unity,” she added.

She reiterated that democracy flourishes only where there is healthy competition, free expression, and respect for dissenting voices, noting that suppressing opposition activities undermines constitutional governance.

“Democracy thrives on healthy competition, free expression, and the protection of dissenting voices. The opposition has every constitutional right to organise, mobilise, and carry out political activities without fear. Attempts to silence or endanger them undermine the very foundation of our democratic system,” she said.

Calling for swift and decisive action, the Kogi Central senator urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure accountability.

“I call on security agencies to thoroughly investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Nigeria must remain a nation where political differences are resolved through dialogue and the ballot, not through violence,” she stated.

She reaffirmed her commitment to defending democratic norms and safeguarding the rights of all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation.

As a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I remain committed to defending democratic principles, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation,” she said.

The PUNCH had earlier reported that Obi, Odigie-Oyegun, and other ADC chieftains were allegedly attacked by suspected thugs in Benin, Edo State, during political activities surrounding the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the party.

Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, had earlier raised the alarm in a statement issued in Abuja.

Photos and videos circulated by Tanko showed several SUVs with smashed windshields, while the gate leading to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence appeared riddled with bullets.

Culled from punch