Escalating political violence and rising tensions in Nigeria’s democratic landscape is becoming a great worry for Nigerians.
Over the weekend, at least one person was killed during the municipal elections in Abuja.
And just yesterday (Tuesday), reports emerged on an attack on the motorcade of the Presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, while on a trip to Benin in Edo State for a political engagement.
What made this incident especially poignant was the fact that Mr Obi had previously been warned not to enter the state by the state Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
Election seasons can be extremely violent times across Nigeria, and with the 2027 general elections around the corner, are we witnessing an increase of foul play and terror?
In Benin City, tension gripped residents on Tuesday after gunmen opened fire on the convoy of Peter Obi, a presidential hopeful of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and his supporters in what participants are calling a politically-targeted assault.
Eyewitnesses say armed men trailed the group from the ADC secretariat to the residence of former national of the All Progressives Congress and now Chieftain of the opposition, the ADC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun before firing multiple shots, shattering vehicles and sparking panic.
Authorities in the Edo State Police Command confirmed that suspected hoodlums were repelled by police and that the situation was quickly brought under control with enhanced security at key locations.
No fatalities have been officially confirmed, though several vehicles and property were damaged.
Mr. Obi and other ADC leaders escaped unharmed — but the political ramifications are resonating far beyond Edo.
Critics describe the incident as an alarming assault on democratic participation, and the attack has drawn condemnation from civil society groups and opposition parties alike.
This episode did not emerge in isolation. Last year, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo stirred controversy when he publicly warned that Mr. Obi should not enter Edo State without notifying and securing clearance from the state government — comments that critics said infringed on constitutional freedoms and fuelled political animosity.
The governor defended himself afterwards, rejecting interpretations that his remarks were a threat and framing them instead as a call for coordinated security planning for high-profile visits.
Months earlier, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia similarly cautioned Mr. Obi against entering Benue for a planned humanitarian visit, citing security concerns — a move that triggered legal and human rights debates on freedom of movement.
The recurrence of such warnings — now followed by physical violence — has reignited debate over the state of political tolerance and democratic norms in Nigeria.
The ADC has condemned Tuesday’s attack as a direct challenge to the country’s democratic values and vowed to persevere peaceful political engagement.
The federal government and major political parties have not yet issued formal statements on the Benin incident. Security agencies say investigations are ongoing, with the aim of identifying those responsible and preventing future threats to public safety.
Nigerians will be hoping this is not an example of things to come in 2027.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
