According to a report by the Daily Post Nigeria, the Director of Research for the Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere, Akin Fapohunda, has cautioned former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to take personal security seriously as political tensions begin to build ahead of the 2027 presidential election. His remarks came after reports of a violent incident involving Obi’s convoy during a political gathering in Edo State.
The incident reportedly occurred in Benin City during a political event linked to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Obi had attended the occasion alongside other political figures for the formal political declaration of lawyer and politician Olumide Akpata into the party. During the event, suspected gunmen allegedly attacked the gathering, with reports indicating that Obi’s motorcade was struck by gunfire. Although no fatalities involving the former governor were confirmed, the attack sparked concern among supporters and political observers.
Reacting to the development, Fapohunda warned that political competition in Nigeria can sometimes turn dangerous, especially when power struggles intensify. He argued that those who seek high political office must remain vigilant about their safety. According to him, Obi should ensure he does not become a victim of political violence, stressing that the loss of any political figure would not necessarily bring meaningful change to the system. “If he dies, nothing will happen. People will only protest for a few days, and nothing will happen,” he stated.
Fapohunda also criticized the political climate in Edo State, suggesting that local leadership had failed to prevent such incidents. He further warned that if a tragedy were to occur, public outrage might only last briefly before fading away. For that reason, he urged Obi to prioritize his personal security, insisting that no political ambition is worth risking one’s life unnecessarily.