By Jimitota Onoyume

A pro-democracy group , New Nigeria in USA (NNIUSA) has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the alleged assassination bid on a former governor of Anambra state Mr Peter Obi and some other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) last month in Edo state.

In a statement by Comrade Osasere Osifo, the group described the incident as a dangerous threat to democracy in the country , urging the federal government to take steps to ensure that the democratic space was safe for all politicians and political parties to freely pursue their legitimate political aspirations.

The statement reads :”The New Nigeria in USA (NNIUSA), a pro-democracy advocacy organization, strongly condemns the assassination attempt on the life of former presidential candidate Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, which occurred on February 24, 2026, in Benin City, Edo State.

“According to reports from eyewitnesses and leaders of the Obidient Movement, Mr. Obi and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including former Edo State Governor Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, were allegedly trailed by armed gunmen from the ADC Secretariat on Ogbelaka Street to Chief Oyegun’s residence in the Government Reserved Area of Benin City. The attackers reportedly opened fire on the premises, riddling the gate with bullets and damaging several vehicles before fleeing when security personnel responded.

“NNIUSA considers this attack a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy and a dangerous escalation of political violence. Political competition must never be conducted through intimidation, gunfire, or acts of terror. Democracy must remain a contest of ideas conducted peacefully and determined by the will of the people.

“NNIUSA notes reports that the Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a suspect in connection with the attack. While this development is welcome, we call for a full, transparent, and thorough investigation to ensure that all perpetrators, coordinators, and sponsors of the attack are identified and prosecuted according to the law.

“We also express deep concern over the silence of the Federal Government regarding this disturbing incident. An attack on a major political figure represents a serious threat to the democratic space of the nation. The failure to promptly condemn such violence risks emboldening those who seek to undermine Nigeria’s democracy through intimidation and political violence.

“NNIUSA also strongly rejects any insinuation that Mr. Peter Obi or any Nigerian citizen can be prevented from visiting any part of the country. Section 41 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of movement for every Nigerian citizen, and no individual or political authority has the right to restrict this constitutional freedom.

“NNIUSA further condemns the arson attack on the African Democratic Congress Ward Secretariat in Ubima Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, which occurred on March 5, 2026. Suspected political thugs reportedly burned the facility ahead of a scheduled membership registration visit by former Rivers State Governor and ADC leader in the South South, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. Reports also indicate that the attackers fired at the gate of Amaechi’s family residence and later engaged his convoy in a gun exchange along the Ubima Omuanwa road as he attempted to enter his community.

“Reports further said that ADC members were attacked during a sensitization programme in Igwuruta Community earlier the same day, and that party offices across several locations in Rivers State have faced harassment, vandalism, and violence in recent months. These incidents point to a disturbing pattern of political intimidation directed at opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“NNIUSA notes that the Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into the attack and calls on all security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators and sponsors of these acts of violence are identified and prosecuted without delay.

“Nigeria’s democracy must be protected from violence, intimidation, and lawlessness. NNIUSA urges all political actors and their supporters to conduct political engagement with civility, respect for the rule of law, and a firm commitment to peaceful democratic participation.

“NNIUSA stands with all Nigerians who believe in a nation where politics is conducted with dignity, where citizens can participate freely without fear, and where the rule of law prevails.”