The African Democratic Congress on Tuesday, February 25, 2026, condemned the shooting incident involving its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and other party leaders in Benin City, Edo State, during a political event.
The party reacted through a statement posted on its official X account, describing the attack as troubling and dangerous. The incident happened during the formal defection of former Labour Party governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, to the ADC.
According to earlier reports, armed men opened fire at the venue where Obi and other party members had gathered for the event. The attack caused panic among supporters and party officials who were present.
No confirmed casualty figures were immediately released, but the incident disrupted the programme and raised fresh concerns about political violence in the state.
In its reaction, the ADC linked the development to earlier warnings allegedly made last year by the Governor of Edo State, who had cautioned Obi against visiting the state.
The party said it did not expect that such warnings would later be followed by an attack of this nature. It described the situation as a threat to democratic practice and political freedom in the country.
The party stated that violence and intimidation have no place in politics and warned that such acts could weaken public trust in the democratic system.
It maintained that political competition should be peaceful and that opposition figures must be allowed to move freely and engage with citizens without fear.
Despite the incident, the ADC said it would remain resolute in its political activities across the country. The party noted that it would continue its campaign efforts and peaceful engagement with Nigerians, insisting that it would not withdraw from its mission.
The attack has sparked reactions from different quarters, with concerns growing over security during political gatherings as the 2027 general elections approach.