Actor-politician cites past threats by Edo governor as gunmen reportedly disrupted ADC event welcoming ex-NBA president Olumide Akpata

Prominent actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has alleged that the recent attack targeting Labour Party’s Peter Obi in Edo State amounted to an attempted assassination, accusing the government or its agents of complicity.

Okonkwo said he spoke directly with former Edo State Governor John Odigie Oyegun, who provided details of what he described as a coordinated attack during a political gathering in Benin City.

According to Okonkwo, the incident cannot be divorced from earlier threats allegedly issued by the current Edo State Governor, who had publicly warned Obi against entering the state without prior clearance, adding that his security could not be guaranteed. That warning, Okonkwo noted, was previously discussed on air as a troubling signal for opposition leaders.

The violence reportedly erupted as supporters gathered to welcome Olumide Akpata, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), who recently aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Okonkwo claimed the NBA itself is increasingly under pressure, framing the attack as part of a broader clampdown on opposition voices.

He further alleged that the welcoming party encountered a convoy of about ten vehicles, led by a pilot car, shortly before the attack unfolded.

Authorities are yet to issue a detailed official account of the incident, while calls are growing for an independent investigation to determine responsibility and ensure the safety of political actors ahead of future engagements.