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By Oscar Okhifo
Presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, has expressed deep appreciation to Nigerians for the outpouring of support he received following a recent attack on him and his associates in Benin City, Edo State.
The All Progressives Congress (APC), however, denied allegations linking it to the incident.
Reacting via his X handle on Friday, Obi thanked Nigerians for standing by him and others affected by the attack.
“I especially appreciate your support during this difficult time for the family of the distinguished elder and former Governor of Edo State, John Oyegun, who has served Nigeria honourably in various capacities, as well as for another former governor, Oserheimen Osunbor,” he said.
“Your support has strengthened my faith in our shared humanity and our collective hope for a better Nigeria. My deep gratitude is reflected in my renewed commitment to serve and build our nation.”
Reflecting further, Obi added:
“Experiences of lawlessness are not new to me. Years ago, the violence and insecurity in Anambra shaped my determination to seek the governorship of the state, convinced that leadership must restore order, security, and public trust.”
He further stated: “Today, the growing lawlessness across our country calls upon all men and women of goodwill to step forward, not in fear but with a sense of responsibility. As Plato reminded us, the price good people pay for refusing to participate in government is to live under the rule of bad people.”
Meanwhile, a member of the House of Representatives, Billy Osawaru, dismissed allegations linking the Edo State Government to the attack, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
In a related development, the APC denied any involvement in the incident, suggesting that internal leadership and factional disputes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) may have been responsible.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, condemned the attack and urged security agencies to conduct a “thorough, impartial and expeditious investigation” to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The ruling party also faulted the ADC for accusing it before the commencement of investigations, describing the allegation that it sponsored an act of “terrorism” as “reckless, unjustifiable and insensitive,” particularly in light of the country’s ongoing fight against terrorism and the sacrifices of security personnel nationwide.
Similarly, the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, through the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Kasim Afegbua, distanced himself and the state government from the act of violence, attributing the attack to internal crises within the ADC.