The Obidient Movement has issued a stern warning that its supporters and other Nigerians will resist attacks during the 2027 election campaign. In a statement released on Saturday, the group accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of sponsoring political thugs to attack opposition supporters. The warning comes after reported attacks on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and other Nigerians during the One Million Man March in Warri, Delta State, on Friday.
The Obidient Movement stated that its supporters would no longer remain passive in the face of political violence. The group emphasized that Nigerians have a constitutional right to campaign, assemble, and support candidates of their choice. The movement's statement read: “We are peaceful, but we are not helpless. We will not initiate violence, but neither will we surrender our people to intimidation.” The group vowed to respond to alleged political violence with “equal or double measure.”
The warning was sparked by the reported attack on members of the NDC and other Nigerians during the One Million Man March in Warri, Delta State, on Friday. The NDC governorship candidate in Enugu State, Chinyeaka Ohaa, visited party members receiving treatment after the September 12 attack on an NDC ward meeting in Obuofia, Nkanu West Local Council Area of the state. Ohaa paid their hospital bills and assured them of continued support throughout their treatment and recovery.
During his visit, Ohaa expressed concern for the welfare of those affected and emphasized his commitment to supporting the victims. The attack occurred at Ihuani Awkunanaw, Obuoffia, during the party’s monthly ward meeting, resulting in eight NDC members sustaining gunshot injuries. Ohaa's visit was a show of solidarity and support for the affected party members.
Meanwhile, the Senatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Ekiti North, Funso Ayeni, raised the alarm over alleged destruction of the party’s campaign office located at Ido Ekiti. Ayeni reported that the campaign office was destroyed barely 48 hours after it was commissioned. He called on the police and other security agencies to investigate and expose those behind the willful damage of the campaign office.
Ayeni expressed concern that political disagreement should never be allowed to degenerate into harassment, intimidation, and destruction of property. He emphasized the need for peace and stability in Ekiti State, particularly in Ekiti North’s Senatorial District. Ayeni's call for investigation and action against those responsible for the destruction of the campaign office highlights the growing concerns over political violence.
The incidents of alleged political violence and intimidation have raised concerns about the security and stability of the 2027 election campaign. The Obidient Movement's warning and the ADC's report of destruction of its campaign office underscore the need for caution and vigilance among political actors and supporters. The situation calls for swift action from security agencies to prevent further escalation of violence.
Key points
- The Obidient Movement warns of equal or double measure response to alleged political violence during 2027 election campaign.
- NDC governorship candidate Chinyeaka Ohaa visits and supports party members injured in attack.
- ADC senatorial candidate Funso Ayeni reports destruction of party's campaign office in Ekiti North.
