A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), John Nwosu, has voiced strong condemnation following a violent encounter in Benin City, Edo State, where gunmen reportedly opened fire during a political gathering. The incident occurred during the formal defection of Olumide Akpata to the party, an event attended by former presidential candidate Peter Obi and several other high-ranking ADC members.
The attack has been described by Nwosu as a disturbing and unacceptable assault on the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy. In a statement released on Tuesday, Nwosu, who is the party’s governorship candidate for the upcoming election in Anambra State, argued that the violence was not just targeted at an individual but represented a broader threat to every Nigerian who values peace and civility.
Nwosu made it clear that the political space must be protected from thuggery and intimidation. He emphasized that for the country to move forward, it must embrace a culture of maturity and tolerance where the competition of ideas takes precedence over lawlessness. He noted that the sight of armed thugs disrupting a peaceful political process is a disheartening sign that poses a grave risk to national stability.
In his appeal for justice, the ADC chieftain called on security agencies to move beyond mere condemnation. He urged them to launch a swift and thorough investigation to identify those behind the shooting and ensure they face the full weight of the law. Accountability, he noted, is the only way to restore public confidence and prevent such dangerous occurrences from becoming a trend in the nation’s political landscape.
Nwosu remains firm in his stance that political differences should never lead to acts that endanger lives. He reiterated that a healthy democracy thrives on mutual respect and constructive engagement, calling on all stakeholders to reject bitterness and violence in favor of a more stable and peaceful Nigeria.
