Human rights activist and former presidential aspirant Dr. S.K.C. Ogbonnia has written to United States President Donald J. Trump, attributing a recent reported attack on Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Edo State to what he described as security failings by the Federal Government.
In a letter dated February 27, 2026, Ogbonnia described an incident in Benin City on February 24, 2026, involving gunfire directed at Mr. Obi’s convoy and the residence of former Edo State Governor and former All Progressives Congress National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun following a political event.
He framed his appeal in the context of international attention on the safety of political figures in Nigeria.
Reports from the scene indicated that armed individuals opened fire, damaging vehicles and property while Mr. Obi and other political figures were present.
Ogbonnia’s letter characterises the attack as a serious threat to the safety of Mr. Obi and others, calling for heightened international awareness of the security situation for political actors in Nigeria.
He referenced details of the Benin City incident in which gunmen reportedly trailed Mr. Obi’s convoy from a political gathering before opening fire at a residence.
The reported incident followed an event where Mr. Obi and other leaders were present for a formal political engagement in Benin City.
Vanguard News reported that Mr. Obi later acknowledged the incident and described it as an attack in which he and others survived.
Ogbonnia’s appeal to a former United States president reflects calls from civil society figures for international attention to security risks facing political figures in Nigeria.
The reported attack has also drawn responses from various Nigerian stakeholders demanding investigations and calls for accountability from security agencies.
The focus on the safety of political actors comes at a time of heightened national political activity and discussions surrounding protections for opposition figures.
