Gunmen reportedly followed ADC leaders from a party event in Benin City and opened fire at the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, damaging vehicles and sparking fears of political assassination.

Benin City, Edo State — Tension gripped Benin City on Sunday after armed men reportedly attacked a convoy of African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders during a political event, in what party sources describe as a narrowly averted assassination attempt.

The incident occurred shortly after the formal declaration of former Labour Party governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, into the ADC. Eyewitnesses said the convoy, which included Akpata and other senior party figures, left the ADC state secretariat in Benin City en route to the residence of former APC national chairman and ADC leader, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

According to multiple accounts, suspected gunmen trailed the group and opened fire at the entrance of Odigie-Oyegun’s residence. Several vehicles in the convoy were damaged during the shooting, though no fatalities were immediately confirmed.

“Armed individuals followed us from the ADC Secretariat to Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s residence. They shot at the gate and destroyed several vehicles in what appears to be an attempted assassination,” a statement attributed to participants at the event said. “Democracy is in danger.”

The attack has intensified concerns over rising political violence in Edo State, especially as parties reposition ahead of future elections. It also follows earlier reports of unrest within the ADC, including a February incident in which suspected thugs vandalised the party’s state secretariat, prompting a police probe.

Sources within the party say internal tensions have also been mounting, with disputes over meetings held at Odigie-Oyegun’s residence previously resulting in police intervention.

As of the time of filing this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The Edo State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement, although security sources confirmed that the incident has drawn the attention of law enforcement authorities.

Akpata, who contested the 2024 Edo governorship election under the Labour Party before defecting to the ADC, has described his latest political move as part of a broader effort to strengthen opposition politics in the state.

Political analysts warn that continued attacks on opposition figures and party activities pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic process, calling on security agencies to swiftly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.