The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has called on Nigeria’s security agencies to immediately investigate the reported attack on former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, an incident alleged to have occurred in Edo State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the lawmaker described the reported incident as “deeply disturbing,” warning that rising political hostility, if unchecked, poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability at a time when political activities and realignments are gradually intensifying across the country.
Her intervention comes amid growing national anxiety over the safety of political actors, particularly opposition figures, and underscores broader concerns about intolerance and violence in the political space.
In her strongly worded reaction, Akpoti-Uduaghan unequivocally condemned the reported attack and stressed that acts of violence have no place in a democratic society. “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.
She further emphasised that such incidents, whether confirmed or alleged, must be treated with utmost seriousness by relevant authorities, especially in a political climate already marked by suspicion and heightened tensions across party lines.
While details surrounding the alleged attack remain sketchy, the development has sparked widespread public debate about political intolerance, the safety of dissenting voices, and the urgent need for restraint as political consultations and alignments gather momentum ahead of future electoral contests.
The senator warned that allowing violence, intimidation, or threats to fester within the political environment would erode the foundations of democratic governance. “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, adding that Nigeria’s political history has shown the dangerous consequences of unchecked hostility.
Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed particular concern about what she described as the conduct of overzealous political actors who, in their attempt to demonstrate loyalty to political leaders, allegedly take the law into their own hands.
“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.
Reiterating core democratic principles, the Kogi Central senator argued that democracy can only flourish in an atmosphere of openness, tolerance, and respect for opposing views. According to her, suppressing opposition activities through fear or violence directly undermines constitutional governance and weakens public confidence in democratic institutions.
“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.
She maintained that political disagreements must be resolved through established democratic processes rather than intimidation or force.
Calling for decisive action, Akpoti-Uduaghan urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the alleged incident and ensure that those responsible, if any, are brought to justice.
“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 also reaffirmed her personal commitment, as a lawmaker, to the protection of democratic values and the safety of all citizens, 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.
Her comments followed earlier reports, which alleged that Obi, Odigie-Oyegun, and other chieftains of the African Democratic Congress were attacked by suspected thugs in Benin, Edo State, during political activities linked to the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the party.
The alarm was earlier raised by Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, who issued a statement in Abuja drawing attention to the alleged incident.
According to Tanko, photos and videos circulating publicly showed several sport utility vehicles with smashed windshields, while the gate leading to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence appeared riddled with bullets, visuals that have further intensified calls for a comprehensive investigation.
As security agencies have yet to issue a detailed public account of the incident, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s call adds to mounting pressure on authorities to clarify the facts, ensure accountability, and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful political engagement.