In a recent incident in Benin City, Edo State, gunmen reportedly targeted Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate in Nigeria, as he was leaving a political rally. This alarming event has prompted Ifeanyi Uzokwe, a member of the House of Representatives, to urgently request that the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the matter. The attack on Obi has raised concerns about the safety of political figures in Nigeria, highlighting the need for security measures to protect democratic processes.

The context surrounding this attack is significant, as it coincides with leadership changes within the Nigeria Police Force. Recently, President Bola Tinubu replaced the former Inspector-General, Kayode Egbetokun, with Tunji Disu. This change in leadership could affect the responsiveness and effectiveness of the police in dealing with incidents of political violence. Uzokwe emphasized that the attack is not only a direct threat to Obi but also a broader indicator of the deteriorating political environment in Nigeria, where political violence may deter citizen engagement and undermine democracy.

Uzokwe's statement came during an address to the House of Representatives Press Corps, where he described the attack as "deeply disturbing and unacceptable in a democratic society." He called on law enforcement to act swiftly in probing the incident to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The implications of this incident extend beyond Obi himself; they serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by politicians and the importance of upholding the rule of law and order during Nigeria's critical democratic processes.