The Obidient Movement has called for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the attempted assassination targeting former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, John Odigie-Oyegun and other members of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, the movement insisted that the probe must be conducted without the influence of any state actors allegedly linked to the attack.
It also called for federal intervention by the Nigeria Police Force, urging the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that those responsible, including their alleged sponsors, are identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
The group further demanded a public condemnation of the incident by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, asking him to direct members of his party in Edo State, as well as political actors nationwide, to desist from acts of political violence and intimidation.
Despite the incident, the movement maintained that the attack would not deter its activities.
It reaffirmed its commitment to exercising its constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, free movement, and political participation across the country.
According to the statement, the movement remains resolute in its call for a Nigeria where political contests are decided through ideas and ballots rather than violence.
The statement reads: “The failure of the state in this matter is glaring. Intelligence about the planned attack was received in advance, yet the assailants operated with impunity across two locations.
The initial police statement, which referenced only damaged chairs and canopies while omitting the gunfire at Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s residence, is a deliberate attempt to minimize the gravity of what happened.
“The Edo State Government’s characterization of this as an internal party matter is an insult to the victims and an abdication of its constitutional duty to protect all citizens.
“The Obidient Movement demands the following, an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into this assassination attempt, free from the influence of state actors implicated in the attack.
Federal-level intervention by the Inspector-General of Police to ensure the perpetrators and their sponsors are identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
“A public condemnation from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a directive to his party members in Edo State and political actors across the country to cease all acts of political violence and intimidation.
“This attack will not break our resolve. It strengthens it. The Obidient Movement will continue to exercise its constitutional rights to free assembly, free movement, and political participation in every part of this country.
“We will not cower in fear. We are resolute in the demand for a Nigeria where political competition is decided by ideas and ballots, not by thugs and bullets.”
