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| The bullet-ridden car above |
“Thank You, Nigerians,” Peter Obi began his heartfelt message to supporters worldwide, expressing profound gratitude for their prayers and solidarity after unidentified gunmen brazenly attacked his convoy near the home of elder statesman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and frontrunner for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 elections escaped unharmed in the Tuesday, February 24 assault. Attackers trailed Obi’s entourage as it approached the residence of the former Edo State governor and respected national figure, unleashing a hail of gunfire with reckless aggression.
Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) confirmed the incident amid global concern from fans.
“We assure everyone: Mr. Obi and fellow ADC leaders in Edo escaped unharmed and remain safe,” the statement read. Obi himself displayed spent cartridges from the attack, lamenting the violence marring the home of Oyegun, a man of “stature, honor, and service”, and extending sympathies to the family of another ex-governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor.
In his full statement, Obi reflected on Nigeria’s rising lawlessness, drawing from his past battles with insecurity in Anambra that propelled him to the governorship.
Quoting Plato, he urged citizens: “The price good people pay for refusing to participate in government is to live under the rule of bad people.” He called for resolute election of leaders with “competence, commitment, character, and compassion,” insisting: “A new Nigeria is POssible.”
The attack underscores escalating threats to political figures ahead of 2027 polls, with Obi vowing renewed commitment to security, peace, and prosperity.
Below is full text of his thank you message to supporters and the public:
Thank You, Nigerians
Peter Obi
I am profoundly grateful to Nigerians from around the world for your prayers, calls, and solidarity following the incident at the ADC office in Benin yesterday. I especially appreciate your support during this difficult time for the family of the distinguished elder and former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun, who has served Nigeria honourably in various capacities, as well as for another former Governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor. 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.
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. 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.
This moment urges Nigerians to be even more resolute in electing leaders defined by competence, commitment, character, and compassion—leaders who prioritise the nation above self and service above power.
Together, with courage and unity, we can build the peaceful, secure, and prosperous Nigeria our people deserve.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
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