Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called for an urgent independent investigation following an alleged assassination attempt on former presidential candidate Peter Obi and other prominent Nigerians.
In a statement issued Thursday, the lawmaker described the reported attack as “deeply troubling” and emphasised that those responsible must be brought to justice to safeguard the country’s democratic process and ensure the security of political figures.
While details surrounding the alleged attempt remain scarce, Akpoti-Uduaghan urged relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent probe into the matter, cautioning against dismissing the incident as isolated or politically insignificant.
“Any attempt to violently target a public figure undermines our democracy and threatens national stability,” she said, expressing concern that political violence could worsen if left unaddressed.
The call for investigation comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, a period during which tensions have risen across various parties and geographies. Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that ensuring the safety of candidates and public officials is crucial to preserving the integrity of the electoral process.
Political analysts have noted the growing need for stronger protective measures for political actors, especially in contexts where campaign events and public engagements draw large crowds. They argue that a credible investigation into the reported attempt against Obi could serve as a deterrent against further acts of violence.
Obi, a former governor and leader of the Labour Party, has not yet issued a public comment on the matter, and officials from the security agencies are yet to confirm or deny the incident pending further verification.
As calls for action grow louder, the spotlight is on Nigeria’s security apparatus to determine what happened, how it happened, and what steps will be taken to prevent similar events in the future.
