By Gloria Ikibah
A member of the House of Representatives has issued a fierce condemnation following the reported assassination attempt on former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi in Benin City, describing it as a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic order.
Addressing journalists at the National Assembly, Rep. Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe, member representing Nnewi South/North/Ekwusigo federal constituency of Anambra state, said he spoke “with a very heavy heart and a deep sense of national concern” over the incident involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential aspirant, Peter Obi. 
“Let me state without ambiguity: I condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms.
“An attack on a presidential aspirant is not merely an attack on an individual; it is a direct assault on our democracy, our constitutional order, and the collective right of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders without fear, intimidation, or violence,” he declared.
The lawmaker warned against what he described as the creeping normalisation of political violence.
“Democracy thrives on healthy competition of ideas, not bullets, not violence, and certainly not assassination plots. It is unacceptable that in a democratic society, a political figure can be subjected to such grave danger while engaging with citizens. The political space must never be militarized or turned into a battlefield.”
Uzokwe cautioned that Nigeria could not afford a return to its troubled political past. “Nigeria has paid dearly in the past for political violence, and we must not allow history to repeat itself,” he said.
He called directly on Governor of Edo State,, Monday Okpebholo, to take immediate action.
“I call on the Governor of Edo State, as the Chief Security Officer of the State, Monday Okpebholo to immediately address this development and take responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of all political actors within his jurisdiction, irrespective of party affiliation. It is said that accountability is elite mentality, the governor should be accountable and take responsibility for incidence like this.
“I said so because leadership demands accountability. Silence or indifference in moments like this is unacceptable”, he added.
The federal legislator also demanded a full probe into the attack, and emphasised that Nigeria’s democracy must be safeguarded at all costs,
“Furthermore, I demand an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into this disturbing incident. The perpetrators, sponsors, and collaborators no matter how highly placed must be identified and brought to justice. Anything short of this will send a dangerous signal that political violence is tolerated.
“Nigeria’s democracy is bigger than any party or individual. We must collectively resist every attempt to drag our nation into chaos and lawlessness. Political disagreements must remain within the bounds of civility and law”, he added.
He urged security agencies to respond decisively. “I urge security agencies to act swiftly and professionally. I urge political leaders across party lines to condemn this act unequivocally. And I urge Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant.
“Let this serve as a warning, any attempt to undermine democracy through violence will be resisted by all patriots who believe in the rule of law and the sanctity of the ballot. We must protect our democracy. We must protect our political process. And we must protect every Nigerian’s right to aspire, to campaign, and to lead without fear”, he stated.
