Dr. Akin Fapohunda, Director of Research at the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization Afenifere, has raised serious concerns about the safety of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
This advisory follows a reported armed incident in Edo State, widely described in political circles as an attempted assassination linked to opposition activities.
Fapohunda pointed to the volatile nature of power struggles in Nigeria, where confrontations with individuals he described as lacking civility can lead to extreme measures with minimal accountability.
Fapohunda directed pointed criticism at the current Edo State Governor, whom he accused of possessing a narrow, parochial outlook and merely executing the agenda of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who was instrumental in his rise to power.
He suggested that such leadership dynamics contribute to an environment where political adversaries face grave risks without facing substantial consequences, reflecting deeper issues in the nation’s governance and political culture.
Emphasizing the transient nature of public outrage in similar past cases, Fapohunda cautioned that any severe harm to a figure like Peter Obi would likely prompt only brief demonstrations before fading into obscurity, with little lasting impact or justice.
He urged Obi to exercise utmost vigilance and self-protection, rather than risking an avoidable loss that would ultimately be overlooked.
This statement highlights ongoing worries regarding the security of dissenting political voices in Nigeria’s increasingly polarized landscape.
