The African Democratic Congress has condemned an alleged assassination attempt on its leader Peter Obi and other party officials in Benin City, Edo State, saying the incident poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic process.

The party’s condemnation was contained in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, following an incident in which Obi and other party leaders were reportedly followed and attacked by assailants after leaving a party facility.

According to the ADC statement, attackers allegedly followed Obi and members of the party from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of party leader John Odigie-Oyegun in Benin City before opening fire.

The party described the incident as “a grave and disturbing development” for the country’s democratic process. It referred to earlier threats reportedly issued against Obi that warned him not to visit Edo State.

The statement said, “Today’s attack on Mr. Peter Obi and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress is a grave and disturbing development, especially in light of the threats issued last year by the Governor of Edo State, warning Mr. Obi not to come to Edo State.”

The ADC said violence and intimidation undermine the will of the people and described such actions as a stain on Nigeria’s democracy.

The party reaffirmed that it would not be deterred by the incident. “The ADC will neither bow nor retreat. We will stand firm, speak without fear, and continue the peaceful struggle for a Nigeria where the opposition is not punished, and every citizen is free,” the statement added.