Abuja, Nigeria – February 24, 2026
The (RNA) has strongly condemned the reported assassination attempt on former presidential candidate during a political engagement in , 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 allegedly attacked Obi’s convoy and supporters, creating panic and threatening lives. RNA stated that the incident represents “a coordinated attempt to silence opposition voices through fear and terror,” warning that such actions, if unchecked, could erode democratic freedoms nationwide.
The group squarely blamed the deteriorating security climate in on the leadership of Governor and the ruling (APC), accusing them of fostering what it described as 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 incident, as well as the identification and prosecution of all perpetrators and alleged sponsors, regardless of political affiliation. It also called for enhanced security protection for opposition leaders and political stakeholders across the country, alongside 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 urged federal security agencies to act decisively to prevent further breakdown of law and order and to reassure citizens of their safety during political activities.
“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 further called on civil society organisations, international observers, and democratic institutions to closely monitor developments and insist on accountability.
The statement was signed by Chief Tochukwu Ezeoke, Publicity Secretary, Rescue Nigeria Alliance.
