The member representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency of Edo State, Hon. Billy Famous Osawaru, on Thursday called for caution regarding the recent attacks on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, in Edo State.

Against the backdrop of the recent attack on ADC chieftains, including Peter Obi, Osawaru urged all interested parties to refrain from making inflammatory statements on the matter and to allow a full investigation to be concluded.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the lawmaker said the briefing became necessary to address recent allegations made by Hon. Ifeanyi Peter Uzokwe, a member of the House and the ADC, regarding the attack on Obi and other political figures in Edo State.

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

According to him, “It is malicious and false to claim or even allege that former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, and members of his political camp were attacked by Edo State government officials or thugs sponsored by the governor or his officials.

“This would be a misrepresentation of the facts. While I acknowledge the gravity of the situation and strongly condemn any form of violence, I would, however, like to provide some context that seems to be missing from the narrative.

“Governor Okpebholo’s warning to Peter Obi was a genuine concern for his safety and wellbeing, given the unrest that followed Obi’s previous visit. It is a matter of public record that there were fatalities and widespread unrest during his last visit to Edo State, and the governor’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of all citizens and visitors.”

The federal lawmaker said the Edo State governor had consistently maintained that politically exposed persons are expected to notify relevant authorities ahead of major public events in the state to enable adequate security coordination in the interest of public safety, adding that it is unfair to link the governor to the attack without concrete evidence.

He further stated that there is no credible evidence to support the allegations and described the claims as baseless and politically motivated.

Osawaru added that the governor has nothing to gain from such an attack and noted that those making the allegations have failed to provide any substantive proof.

He said Governor Okpebholo’s administration was not, and will never be, in the business of attacking innocent Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation.

The lawmaker urged the public, the ADC, and his colleagues to focus on facts rather than speculation. He also noted that Obi has every right to visit Edo State or any part of the country, but security concerns remain valid.

According to him, “Let us not politicise this issue. The people of Edo deserve peace and stability, not baseless allegations and inflammatory rhetoric.”

Osawaru added that he and other like-minded individuals were not dismissing the reported attack on Obi and other ADC stakeholders but were demanding a thorough investigation, expressing confidence that it would clear Governor Okpebholo’s name. (Nigerian Tribune)

Update news