In light of the recent assault on African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders, including the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections House of Representatives member Mr. Peter Obi, Hon. Dr. Billy Famous Osawaru, has urged the public and party leaders’ supporters to refrain from making divisive remarks on the issue.
Osawaru, a first-time member of the National Assembly’s green chamber who represents Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency in Edo State, addressed at a press conference on Thursday at the House Press Corps in Abuja.
According to him, the purpose of the briefing is to explicitly address the recent accusations made about the attack on Peter Obi and ADC chieftains in Edo State by Hon. Ifeanyi Peter Uzokwe, a member of the House and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He recalled that on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, some African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftains, former All Progressives Congress National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi were allegedly attacked by suspected gunmen in Edo State.
“It is malicious and false to claim or even allege that Edo State government officials or thugs sponsored by the Governor of Edo State or its officials attacked Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and a presidential candidate for the Labour Party, and members of his political camp,” he said.
“This will be a misrepresentation of the fact,” he stated.
Although I recognize the seriousness of the issue and vehemently denounce violence of any kind, I would like to add some background information that appears to be absent from the story.
Given the turmoil that preceded Obi’s prior visit, Governor Okpebholo’s admonition to Peter Obi was a sincere concern for his safety and well-being.
The governor’s main duty is to guarantee the safety of all residents and guests, and it is well known that there were fatalities and extensive unrest during his most recent visit to Edo State.
The federal lawmaker stated that it is unfair to connect the governor to this attack in the absence of hard proof and that the governor of Edo State has consistently maintained that politically exposed individuals are expected to at least notify the appropriate authorities prior to major public events in the state in order to enable adequate security coordination in the interest of public safety.
He added that they have not found any reliable proof to back up these accusations, and he believes that they are politically driven and without merit.
The governor has nothing to gain from such an attack, he said, and it is telling that the people making these accusations have not offered any evidence to support their claims.
According to Osawaru, the administration of Governor Okpebholo has never engaged in the practice of targeting defenseless Nigerians, irrespective of their political party.
He calls on the public, the ADC, and his associates to concentrate on reality rather than fiction.
He added that although security fears are legitimate, Obi has every right to travel to Edo or anywhere else. Let’s avoid making this a political issue.
Instead of unfounded accusations and divisive rhetoric, the people of Edo deserve peace and stability.
The congressman stated that he and other like-minded individuals are not discounting the alleged attack on Obi and other ADC party members. They also stated that they are calling for a comprehensive inquiry and are certain that it would vindicate Governor Okpebholo’s name.
Additionally, he stated that they are urging all parties to wait for the inquiry to conclude and to avoid saying anything that might sway the results.
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