Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has voiced her strong disapproval of the alleged assassination attempt targeting Peter Obi and Chief Odigie-Oyegun, declaring the event a grave peril to Nigeria's democratic system.
Akpoti-Uduaghan stated in a release that the incident was "deeply disturbing" and cautioned against the escalating political intolerance observed throughout the nation.
She emphasized that violence, coercion, and threats should not be allowed to characterize Nigeria's political arena, asserting that democratic contests must never devolve into physical assaults on perceived adversaries.
According to the senator, democracy flourishes through robust debate, freedom of expression, and respect for differing viewpoints.
She further noted that opposition figures possess constitutional rights to assemble and rally support without apprehension.
Akpoti-Uduaghan voiced apprehension regarding what she described as overzealous political operatives who, in an effort to display loyalty to their leaders, resort to harassing or aggressive actions against opponents. She characterized such conduct as reckless, counterproductive, and detrimental to national cohesion.
She urged security agencies to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the attack and ensure that those found responsible face justice.
Meanwhile, Ken Imasuangbon, a prominent figure in the ADC in Edo State, appealed to President Tinubu to urgently restrain members of the APC in Edo State following the assault on opposition figures in Benin.
Imasuangbon described the situation as a perilous signal for democracy, warning that if the president failed to curb the excesses of APC members in the state, Edo could descend into chaos.
He alleged that the attack bore the "imprint of ruling party hirelings," asserting that such acts of intimidation and political thuggery are unacceptable in a democratic society.
Imasuangbon maintained that the presidency carries a duty to ensure that members of the governing party adhere to democratic principles.
In Anambra State, youths from the Agulu community in Anaocha Local Government Area, operating under the banner of the Agulu Youth Development Committee, have also condemned the attack on Obi.
In a statement released to journalists in Awka, the Anambra State capital, the youths called for an investigation into the incident.
The statement, signed by the committee's chairman, Eric-Kenny Maduagwu, and secretary, Egoh Chamberlain, indicated that the event highlighted the disturbing trend of politics being introduced by the ruling party in Edo State.
The group stated, "We condemn in its entirety, the unfortunate assassination attempt on His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi today, during his visit to Edo State."
They added, "Any attempt on the life of Peter Obi will spell doom for the country as the Nigerian masses will surprise the government with a volcanic protest and the whole nation will not wish for the consequences."
The report was contributed by Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale, Sunday Aborisade, David-Chyddy Eleke, and Felix Omoh-Asun.
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