A lawyer and member of the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress, Kenneth Okonkwo, has described the recent attack on party leaders in Benin City as an assassination attempt and “genocide against political opponents.”
Speaking on ARISE News on Tuesday, Okonkwo alleged that individuals connected to government authorities were responsible for the incident.
“This was an assassination attempt by people I can describe as either the governmental people or their agents. This is genocide against political opponents,” he said.
Okonkwo further claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress is seeking to weaken opposition platforms in an effort to steer the country toward a one-party system.
“This government has started trying to do genocide against political parties. You must have heard when they said that it’s like we are tilting towards a one-party state, and this was orchestrated by APC to ensure that there is no other party,” he said.
“Having failed to ‘genocide’ all the political parties, because ADC just emerged, their only choice now is to wipe out the opposition leaders. It’s a premeditated attack channeled towards intimidating the opponents.”
Addressing reports of casualties, Okonkwo said that while some individuals sustained injuries, there were no confirmed deaths at the time of the interview.
“We cannot say that they killed anybody, but other people were injured. We are yet to know about the casualty figures because it happened today,” he stated.
He disclosed that three former governors were present at the venue during the incident—John Odigie-Oyegun, Oserheimen Osunbor, and Peter Obi.
“One thing is very, very telling; three former governors were in that venue… and the federal government, with the state government, could not provide enough security for their safety,” he said.
Okonkwo further alleged that the withdrawal or absence of security personnel contributed to the incident.
“They withdrew the security of John Oyegun and all the other people. If the security was there, they wouldn’t be attacked. So there was no security, basically. And that’s why I said it’s genocide,” he added.
According to him, the matter has been officially reported to authorities. He noted that Odigie-Oyegun informed him that the Commissioner of Police paid him a visit following the incident.
“They reported the incident. Oyegun told me that the Commissioner of Police was magnanimous enough to visit him, but what we do not know is what happens after then,” Okonkwo said.
What You Should Know
The attack on ADC leaders in Benin City has intensified political tensions, with opposition figures alleging targeted intimidation.
Kenneth Okonkwo claims the incident was politically motivated and linked to efforts to suppress opposition parties, an allegation yet to be independently verified. No fatalities have been confirmed, though injuries were reported. The presence of prominent political figures at the venue has heightened scrutiny over security arrangements.
Authorities have reportedly been notified, and investigations are expected. The development adds to ongoing debates about political competition, security, and democratic space in Nigeria.
