In light of the recent assault on African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders, including the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections The public and supporters of the party leaders have been urged by Mr. Peter Obi, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dr. Billy Famous Osawaru, to refrain from making divisive remarks about the issue.

At a news conference on Thursday at the House news Corps in Abuja, Osawaru, a member representing the Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency in Edo State and a new member of the National Assembly’s green chamber, gave a speech.

According to him, the purpose of the briefing is to explicitly address the recent accusations involving the attack on Peter Obi and ADC chieftains in Edo State made by Hon. Ifeanyi Peter Uzokwe, a member of the House and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He recalled that on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, some African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi were allegedly attacked by suspected gunmen in Edo State.

“It is malicious and false to claim or even allege that Edo State government officials or thugs sponsored by the Governor of Edo State or its officials attacked Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and members of his political camp,” he said.

“This will be a misrepresentation of the facts,” he stated.
Although I recognize the seriousness of the situation and vehemently denounce violence in all its forms, I would like to add some background information that appears to be absent from the story.

Given the unrest that preceded Peter Obi’s prior visit, Governor Okpebholo’s warning to Obi was a sincere concern for his safety and well-being.

The governor’s first duty is to protect the safety of all residents and guests, and it is well known that there were fatalities and extensive unrest during his most recent visit to Edo State.

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 ahead of major public events in the state in order to enable adequate security coordination in the interest of public safety.

He went on to say that they have not found any reliable proof to back up these accusations, 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 them.

“The administration of Governor Okpebholo is not and will never be in the business of attacking innocent Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation,” Osawaru stated.

He exhorts the public, the ADC, and his associates to concentrate on reality rather than fiction.

He added that although Obi has every right to travel to Edo or anyplace else, there are legitimate security concerns. Let’s avoid making this a political matter.

Edo residents want stability and peace, not unfounded accusations and divisive language.

In addition to stating that he and other like-minded individuals are not discounting the alleged attack on Obi and other ADC party members, the lawmaker stated that they are calling for a comprehensive inquiry and are certain that it will clear Governor Okpebholo.

Additionally, he stated that all parties are being urged to wait for the inquiry to conclude and to avoid saying anything that might sway the results.