By Chinazaekpere Chinwendu
February 25, 2026 —
International business man, Politician and Founder of the OAU foundation, Hon Onyekwere Akym Uche (OAU) has issued a strong and unambiguous condemnation of the violent attack on former presidential candidate Peter Obi and other political figures in Benin City, stressing that such conduct poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic fabric.
OAU’s reaction comes amid growing national concern over the safety of political participation and the increasing prevalence of hostility in the country’s political contests.
Recall that the attack occurred in Benin City, Edo State, when gunmen reportedly opened fire at a political gathering shortly after Obi and other leaders attended an event marking the defection of Olumide Akpata to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The assailants allegedly trailed the group from the party secretariat to the residence of former governor and senior party figure John Odigie‑Oyegun, firing shots that damaged vehicles and property. While no fatalities have been officially confirmed, the incident sent shockwaves through supporters and bystanders alike.
Onyekwere Akym described the assault as utterly condemnable and wholly unacceptable in a democratic society. He emphasised that violence undermines the very principles upon which Nigeria’s democracy is built, including freedom of expression, political participation, and the safety of citizens regardless of their affiliations.
“Political disagreement must never be expressed through violence or fear,” OAU asserted, urging all stakeholders to reject hostility as a tool of competition.
In his statement, Akym highlighted the broader implications of the attack, warning that when leaders and citizens are targeted for merely engaging in lawful political activity, public confidence in democratic processes is eroded.
“When violence becomes part of political expression, we jeopardise the integrity of our elections and weaken our institutions,” he said. His comments echo similar reactions from other national figures who have decried the incident as dangerous and disrespectful to the rule of law.
Onyekwere Akym Uche also called on security agencies to act swiftly and transparently in investigating the incident, asserting that accountability is crucial to preventing future breaches of peace. He argued that perpetrators must be brought to justice to reassure Nigerians that their safety and rights are protected.
“The obligation to safeguard lives and properties transcends party politics; it is fundamental to democratic governance,” he added.
The condemnation from OAU follows widespread national and international concern about the attack. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar similarly admonished that politics must not be settled through violence and called on state institutions to ensure equal protection for all political actors. Such responses reflect a growing unease about the direction of political engagement in Nigeria, especially with pivotal elections approaching.
In closing, Onyekwere Akym Uche called on Nigerians across the political divide to unite in defending democratic values and to uphold the rule of law. He urged political leaders to use their platforms to promote peace, tolerance, and constructive dialogue rather than division.
“Our democracy depends on our willingness to contest ideas peacefully and respect one another’s rights,” he said.
Akym’s statement stands as a stark reminder that violence against leaders or citizens cannot be tolerated if Nigeria’s democratic future is to be preserved.
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