How Peter Obi and I Escaped Attack at Edo ADC Gathering β Akpata
Olumide Akpata, a governorship hopeful in Edo State, recounts a near attack at a political event alongside former presidential candidate Peter Obi, which was averted thanks to security personnel.
The political atmosphere in Edo State remains tense as Olumide Akpata, a governorship hopeful from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), revealed that both he and former presidential candidate Peter Obi received warnings about a possible attack at their political event in Benin City. During a segment on Channels Televisionβs Politics Today, Akpata expressed his concerns about the safety of attendees at their gathering, emphasizing that they were indeed in harm's way. This revelation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by political figures in a region where political violence is not uncommon.
Akpata noted that the event, meant to be a formal welcoming of Labour Party members into the ADC, was scheduled at the ADC Secretariat on Ogbelaka Street in Benin City. The timing of the reported threats heightened the urgency of the event, creating a backdrop of tension and fear. However, thanks to the prompt actions of security personnel at the venue, the possible attack was successfully averted, highlighting the critical role that security measures play in political gatherings.
This incident sheds light on the broader implications of political violence in Nigeria's electoral landscape, where the safety of candidates and their supporters can be jeopardized by rampant threats from rival factions. Akpata's experience serves as a reminder of the need for increased security and vigilance during politically sensitive periods, particularly in regions like Edo State, where political rivalries can escalate into violence. The political community continues to grapple with these risks as the next election approaches, calling into question the safety and stability of Nigeria's democratic processes.