…says the alleged Edo attack on Obi should serve as a wake-up call.
ENUGU, NIGERIA — The iNews Times | A public affairs analyst has urged former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to tighten his personal security arrangements following the alleged Edo attack, warning that Nigeria’s volatile political climate ahead of 2027 demands greater caution.
Chairman of the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria (GPAAN), Enugu State Chapter, Dr. Ambrose Igboke, gave the advice while reacting to reports that Obi and a former Edo State governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, narrowly escaped an armed attack at a political meeting in Benin last month.
Obi, Odigie-Oyegun and several other leaders and members of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) were reportedly targeted on the 24th of last month when gunmen allegedly fired shots at their gathering in Benin City.
Shortly after the incident, a suspect identified as Udeme Monday Stephen reportedly claimed responsibility in a post on his X handle, @stevetom788, and threatened further attacks on Obi, stating that the former presidential candidate was “lucky” to have escaped.
A source within the Department of State Services (DSS) confirmed that the suspect has been arrested and would soon be charged to court.
‘Simplicity Is Good, But Security Is Crucial’
Reacting to the development, Igboke expressed concern that Obi’s modest lifestyle and open interaction with the public, though admirable, could expose him to danger.
“I strongly believe Mr. Peter Obi is being very careless about his security. Even celebrities who are supposed to mingle freely with the public now deploy serious security,” he said.
“To be simple is good, but when you are operating in an environment of jackals, you need to protect yourself from wild animals.”
He warned that Nigeria’s political environment remains porous and sometimes hostile, particularly in the build-up to general elections.
Recalling past incidents of political violence, Igboke lamented that several high-profile killings linked to election cycles remain unresolved, despite arrests made at the time.
According to him, the alleged Edo attack on Obi should serve as a wake-up call, especially as the country gradually moves toward the 2027 general elections.
“If state security is not provided for him, he should consider private security. We have seen too many bad things happen in this country, and everyone simply moves on,” he added.
Concerns Over Democracy in Edo
The GPAAN chairman also expressed disappointment that such an incident could occur in Edo State, which he described as a historically democratic society dating back over 600 years to the Benin Kingdom.
He said Governor Monday Okpebholo should be concerned if opposition parties cannot freely hold meetings in the state.
“For this to happen in Edo State, the governor should be worried. If the opposition cannot hold meetings, what then happens during campaigns?” he queried.
He stressed that political competition should be based on persuasion and performance, not intimidation.
“Eliminating your opposition should not be the case. Your strength should be in your ability to convince the electorate based on what you have done or what you promise to do.”
Expectations from New IGP
Speaking further, Igboke weighed in on the appointment of the new Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, urging him to prioritise officers’ welfare and fully implement the Police Act 2020.
He described the remuneration and retirement packages of police officers as inadequate compared to other security agencies.
“After 35 years of service, someone leaves with about N1.5 million as severance. That is pathetic,” he said.
He also called for improved barracks conditions and urged the new police leadership to focus less on issues such as tinted permit enforcement and VIP escorts, and more on structural reforms that would enhance professionalism within the force.
