Olumide Akpata, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association and governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State, has revealed how he and former presidential candidate Peter Obi narrowly escaped a suspected attack during a political event in Benin City, according to his account on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.

Akpata said the incident unfolded on Tuesday at the ADC Secretariat on Ogbelaka Street, where some members of the Labour Party had gathered for a planned ceremony to formally join the ADC. As the programme progressed, intelligence from reliable sources warned that unidentified persons could soon attack the venue, he told the show.

“I was in harm’s way, there’s no doubt. I was alongside other people. We were in harm’s way yesterday in Benin,” Akpata said, adding that both he and Obi received the warnings separately and were advised to hasten the event. The venue was described as “very tight,” with narrow access points that would have made a mass panic dangerous in the event of violence.

Acting on the intelligence, organisers wrapped up the event early and ushered party leaders to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, a senior party figure, where they planned to hold a press briefing. Akpata said this quick decision averted what could have been a more serious incident.

Akpata also disclosed that shortly after they left the secretariat, armed men reportedly showed up and attacked the venue, targeting people and equipment. He said his cousin narrowly escaped being hit by a bullet and that several items were damaged.

In the wake of the episode, the Edo State Government has directed the police to investigate the matter. Governor Monday Okpebholo condemned the violence and pledged that those responsible would be brought to justice.

The attack and near miss have raised concerns about political violence ahead of the 2027 elections, with party leaders and civil society voices calling for heightened security and respect for democratic engagement in the state.