Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed gratitude to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora for what he described as an outpouring of support after an alleged assassination attempt on him and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin City.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Thursday, Obi said he was “profoundly grateful” for the prayers, calls, and solidarity he received following the incident at the party’s office in the Edo State capital.
“I am profoundly grateful to Nigerians from around the world for your prayers, calls, and solidarity following the incident at the ADC office in Benin yesterday,” he said.
Obi also commiserated with the families of former Edo State Governors John Odigie-Oyegun and Oserheimen Osunbor, both of whom were affected by the incident.
“I especially appreciate your support during this difficult time for the family of the distinguished elder and former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun, who has served Nigeria honourably in various capacities, as well as for another former Governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor,” he said.
According to the former Anambra State governor, the show of solidarity reinforced his belief in the country and its people. “Your support has strengthened my faith in our shared humanity and our collective hope for a better Nigeria,” Obi said, adding that “my deep gratitude is reflected in my renewed commitment to serve and build our nation.”
Reflecting on past experiences, Obi said insecurity and violence were not new to him, recalling how similar challenges influenced his political decisions in the past.
“Experiences of lawlessness are not new to me. Years ago, the violence and insecurity in Anambra shaped my determination to seek the governorship of the state, convinced that leadership must restore order, security, and public trust,” he stated.
He warned that the country was facing a widening breakdown of law and order and called on Nigerians to respond with courage rather than fear.
“Today, the growing lawlessness across our country calls upon all men and women of goodwill to step forward – not in fear but with a sense of responsibility,” Obi said.
Quoting the philosopher Plato, the former presidential candidate urged greater civic participation. “As Plato reminded us, the price good people pay for refusing to participate in government is to live under the rule of bad people,” he added.
Obi further appealed to Nigerians to be more deliberate in their electoral choices. “This moment urges Nigerians to be even more resolute in electing leaders defined by competence, commitment, character, and compassion – leaders who prioritise the nation above self and service above power,” he said.
He concluded by calling for unity and collective action to build a safer, more prosperous country. “Together, with courage and unity, we can build the peaceful, secure, and prosperous Nigeria our people deserve.”
