Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the violent attack on Peter Obi, John Odigie-Oyegun, Oserheimen Osunbor, Olumide Akpata and other Coalition ADC leaders in Benin, Edo State, describing the incident as unacceptable in a democracy.
In a statement shared with Okay News on Tuesday night, Atiku said recent “reckless and inflammatory rhetoric” from elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has contributed to a climate that legitimises violence against political opponents.
He warned that Nigeria is entering a dangerous phase where opposition figures are allegedly being harassed not only through state institutions but also through physical attacks. According to him, the attack in Benin did not occur in isolation.
Atiku called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security chiefs to fulfil their constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property without discrimination or partisanship.
“The safety of opposition leaders and supporters is not a favour; it is a democratic obligation,” he stated, adding that Nigeria must not become a country where political disputes are settled through violence.
