The Rescue Nigeria Alliance (RNA) has strongly condemned the reported assassination attempt on former presidential candidate Peter Obi during a political engagement in Benin City, describing the incident as “a dangerous escalation of politically motivated violence and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy.”
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Alliance expressed outrage over reports that armed elements attacked Obi’s convoy and supporters, creating panic and threatening lives. RNA stated that the attack represents “a coordinated attempt to silence opposition voices through fear and terror.”
The group squarely blamed the deteriorating security climate in Edo State on the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of fostering a hostile political atmosphere through inflammatory rhetoric and partisan intolerance.
According to RNA, “When a sitting governor publicly creates conditions suggesting that opposition figures are unwelcome or unsafe, it emboldens criminal elements and legitimizes violence. The responsibility for today’s chaos rests politically and morally with the Edo State Government and the APC.”
The Alliance demanded:
• An immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the attack.
• The identification and prosecution of all perpetrators and sponsors, regardless of political affiliation.
• Enhanced security protection for opposition leaders and political stakeholders across the country.
• A public commitment from Edo State authorities guaranteeing the safety of all Nigerians irrespective of party alignment.
RNA warned that persistent political violence threatens national stability and undermines constitutional democracy. The group called on federal security agencies to act decisively to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
“The targeting of political actors is not just an attack on an individual,” the statement added. “It is an attack on the democratic rights of every Nigerian.”
The Alliance urged civil society organisations, international observers, and democratic institutions to closely monitor developments and insist on accountability.
Signed:
Chief Tochukwu Ezeoke
Publicity Secretary
Rescue Nigeria Alliance
