FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: February 24, 2026
LOCATION: Awka, Anambra State
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Anambra State Chapter, expresses profound outrage, deep sorrow, and uncompromising condemnation over the brazen and barbaric assassination attempt on His Excellency, Peter Obi, during a party engagement in Edo State.
Verified reports reaching our State Secretariat indicate that armed assailants stormed the venue, opened fire indiscriminately, and deliberately targeted the vehicle conveying Mr. Obi. The pursuit of his motorcade to a private residence and the continuation of gunfire thereafter represent not only a grievous security breach but a calculated assault on democracy, decency, and the sanctity of human life.
This was not random violence. It bears the chilling markings of premeditation and political desperation.
This reprehensible attack is a direct attempt to intimidate and silence a leading voice of accountability, reform, and national renewal. It is an attack on democratic ideals and on every Nigerian who believes in character, competence, and credible leadership.
We condemn this act of political terrorism in the strongest and clearest terms possible.
We call on the Inspector General of Police and the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately commence a high-level, transparent, and time-bound investigation.
The perpetrators—and those who financed, coordinated, or sheltered them—must be swiftly identified and prosecuted. Nigeria must not descend into a lawless arena where bullets replace ballots.
If a former governor and national political figure can be so brazenly targeted in broad daylight, what protection remains for the ordinary Nigerian? This incident exposes a grave vulnerability in our national security architecture.
The protection of lives—regardless of political affiliation—is not optional. It is the first duty of the state.
While we thank God for Mr. Obi’s safety, we urge our members and supporters across Anambra State and the federation to remain calm, disciplined, and vigilant.
We must not allow provocation to drag us into lawlessness. Violence is the weapon of the insecure and the incompetent. Our struggle for a better Nigeria is rooted in ideas, integrity, and peaceful democratic engagement.
“Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. Our resolve for a new Nigeria—anchored on character, competence, and compassion—cannot be intimidated by “bullets or thugs.”
The ADC Anambra State Chapter stands in unshakable solidarity with Mr. Peter Obi and the Edo State Chapter in this dark and troubling hour.
We demand justice.
We demand accountability.
We demand the safeguarding of Nigeria’s democratic space.
Nigeria must never become a republic of fear.
Signed,
Comrade Patrick Obianyo
State Chairman
Pastor Lawrence Okeke
State Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC), Anambra State Chapter
