The Obidient Movement has expressed concern over a reported attack on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and other participants during a One Million Man March in Warri, Delta State. The movement's National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, stated that the incident was part of a growing pattern of political violence targeting opposition supporters in the state. This development has raised concerns about the security situation in Delta State ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the NDC candidate for Delta Central Senatorial District, the violence was part of a coordinated attempt to prevent the opposition party from exercising its constitutional right to campaign and mobilise supporters. The march was initially scheduled to commence at Angle Park in Warri South, but participants were dispersed from the venue. Omo-Agege demanded an immediate investigation by the police, Department of State Services, and other security agencies.
The incident is not an isolated case, as Omo-Agege had earlier claimed that armed men attacked his convoy in Delta State, leaving six NDC members injured. The APC has denied involvement in the incident. The Obidient Movement has urged security agencies not to allow political violence to continue during the 2027 campaign. The movement's leader, Yunusa Tanko, emphasized that Nigerians have a constitutional right to campaign, mobilise, assemble, and support candidates of their choice.
Tanko warned that the Obidient Movement will defend the rights of Nigerians to participate in the democratic process through any and every means available, including lawful resistance, mass mobilisation, and self-defence. He stressed that Nigeria belongs to all citizens and no political party has the right to determine who can campaign, where Nigerians can gather, or who they can support. The movement's stance has been seen as a strong statement against political intimidation.
The Obidient Movement has called on Nigerians to reject political violence, insisting that the 2027 election should be determined by voters rather than intimidation. Tanko stated that the election must be decided by Nigerians at the ballot box, not by political thugs on the streets. This appeal has been seen as a crucial step towards ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The incident has sparked concerns about the level of political tension in Delta State ahead of the 2027 elections. The NDC and other opposition parties have been vocal about their concerns regarding the security situation in the state. The police and other security agencies have been urged to take concrete steps to prevent further incidents of political violence.
The condemnation of the attack by the Obidient Movement and other stakeholders has been seen as a positive step towards promoting peace and stability in Delta State. The incident has highlighted the need for security agencies to be vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent political violence. The 2027 elections are expected to be a major test of the country's democratic institutions.
Key points
- The Obidient Movement has condemned an attack on opposition supporters in Delta State, calling on security agencies to end political intimidation ahead of the 2027 elections.
- The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in Delta State ahead of the 2027 elections.
- The Obidient Movement has urged Nigerians to reject political violence, insisting that the 2027 election should be determined by voters rather than intimidation.
