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The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has urged security agencies to probe the reported attack 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,” cautioning that escalating political hostility threatens 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 said.
Her remarks come amid rising political tensions and growing concerns over the safety of opposition figures and political actors across party lines.
Although details of the alleged attack remain unclear, the incident has fuelled debate about political intolerance and the need for restraint as realignments intensify ahead of future elections.
Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that violence, intimidation and threats must never define Nigeria’s political landscape.
“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.
She also expressed concern over what she described as overzealous political actors who, in their bid to demonstrate loyalty to leaders, resort to harassment or attacks on 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.
The senator emphasised that democracy can only thrive where there is healthy competition, free expression and respect for dissent, warning that suppressing opposition 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 urgent action, she urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure accountability.
She reaffirmed her commitment to upholding democratic principles and protecting the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation.
Politics Nigeria recalls that Obi, Odigie-Oyegun and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress were allegedly attacked by suspected thugs in Benin City, Edo State, during political activities marking the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the party.
