Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has condemned recent attacks on opposition figures, declaring that no group in Nigeria has a monopoly on violence.
The former Anambra governor was reportedly attacked alongside some leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin City, the Edo State capital, earlier in the week.
Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, said the incident occurred at the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun, a chieftain of the ADC and former governor of Edo State.
Reacting to the development, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC national publicity secretary, described the attack as a “grave and disturbing development” that could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo State, also condemned the incident, attributing it to escalating intra-party disputes and alleging that some individuals brought in thugs from outside the state to cause unrest. The Nigeria Police Force in Edo has since launched an investigation.
Speaking on Friday during a visit to Peter University in Achina, Anambra State, Obi dismissed threats circulating on social media warning him against visiting certain parts of the country.
“I am a Nigerian, and I am free to go to any part of this country. It is a constitutional right that nobody can take away from me. But let me make it clear, nobody has a monopoly of violence,” he said.
Obi also referenced a recent visit to Rivers State despite warnings against entering the state, saying the threats did not stop him from honouring an earlier invitation.
The former governor reaffirmed his intention to run for president in 2027 on the ADC platform, insisting that no intimidation would stop him.
“I’m not desperate to be the president of Nigeria, but I’m desperate to see Nigeria work. Nigeria has collapsed and is already lying on the ground,” he said.
He accused some wealthy Nigerians of greed, arguing that the country’s problems stem partly from leaders who continue to accumulate wealth despite already having enough.
“No matter what they do, I must contest the election. Let them conduct a free and fair election and let the people decide,” he added.
Obi also explained that his decision to leave the Labour Party was due to the prolonged leadership crisis within the party, blaming the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to recognise court rulings on the dispute.
According to him, although court judgments had resolved the leadership tussle in the party, INEC refused to acknowledge them until after he exited the LP at the end of December.