In light of the recent assault on African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders, including the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections, Members of the House of Representatives, including Mr. Peter Obi and Hon. Dr. Billy Famous Osawaru, have urged the public and party leaders to refrain from making divisive remarks about the issue.
Osawaru, a member of Edo State’s Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency and a first-time member of the National Assembly’s green chamber, addressed the media 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 by African Democratic Congress (ADC) member and House member Hon. Ifeanyi Peter Uzokwe about the attack on Peter Obi and ADC chieftains in Edo State.
He recalled that on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, suspected gunmen in Edo State allegedly attacked Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, and several African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftains.
He says it is malicious and untrue to say that members of Peter Obi’s political camp and former Anambra State governor, who is also a presidential candidate for the Labour Party, were attacked by Edo State government officials or thugs who were sponsored by the Edo State governor or its officials.
This is going to be a false statement, he stated.
I would want to provide some background information that appears to be absent from the story, even though I recognize the seriousness of the situation and vehemently denounce any forms of violence.
Given the turmoil that preceded Peter Obi’s prior visit, Governor Okpebholo’s warning to Obi was a sincere worry for his safety and well-being.
It is well known that during his most recent visit to Edo State, there were fatalities and widespread unrest. The governor’s first duty is to protect all residents and guests.
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 significant public events in the state to enable adequate security coordination in the interest of public safety.
They have not seen any reliable proof to back up these claims, he added, 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 leveling these accusations have not offered any evidence to support their claims.
Attacking innocent Nigerians, regardless of their political party, is not and will never be the government of Governor Okpebholo, according to Osawaru.
He exhorts his colleagues, the ADC, and the general public to concentrate on facts rather than fiction.
Additionally, he said that while Obi has every right to travel to Edo or anyplace else, security worries are also legitimate. This should not be a political issue.
Not unfounded accusations and divisive language, but peace and stability are what the people of Edo deserve.
In addition to stating that he and other like-minded individuals are not discounting the alleged assault on Obi and other ADC party members, the congressman stated that they are calling for a comprehensive inquiry and are certain that it would clear Governor Okpebholo’s name.
He added that all parties are being urged to wait for the investigation to conclude and to avoid saying anything that might sway the results.
