OBIdient Movement raises concern over alleged political violence ahead of 2027

The OBIdient Movement has expressed concern over what it described as an increasing wave of alleged political violence targeting opposition supporters in different parts of the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The movement, in a statement issued on Monday by its Media and Communications Directorate, Onyeka Dike, called on security agencies to investigate reported attacks and ensure that perpetrators of political violence are held accountable.

The group specifically cited recent incidents in Enugu, Delta, Edo and Benue states, alleging that supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) had been subjected to attacks, intimidation and harassment.

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In Enugu State, the movement alleged that armed individuals identified as APC supporters disrupted NDC political activities over the weekend, with gunshots reportedly fired during the incident.

According to the statement, several supporters were injured while one person was reportedly killed. It alleged that the attackers followed NDC supporters from the airport to the party’s campaign office.

The movement also referred to footage published by Premium Times, which it said appeared to show a uniformed security personnel standing by while a supporter was assaulted.

It expressed concern over what it described as allegations of inadequate response by security agencies to political violence, urging the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other relevant agencies to protect citizens regardless of their political affiliations.

The group also referred to an earlier incident in Enugu on September 12, 2026, alleging that NDC members were attacked and shot at, and that some suspects were subsequently released by the police.

It further alleged that the individual who recorded and reported the incident was arrested. In Edo State, the movement raised concerns over alleged comments by APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, regarding the use of firearms against those perceived to be working against the party’s political interests.

The group called on relevant authorities to investigate such statements and ensure that political actors do not use inflammatory rhetoric capable of escalating tensions.

In Delta State, the Obidient Movement alleged that opposition supporters had faced intimidation, including the reported sealing of a business belonging to an NDC member following a pro-NDC march.

It also alleged the arrest and detention of Sochi Okolo, an NDC member and member of the Victor Ochei Campaign Council, who it said was a former senior media aide to the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Area.

The group claimed that Okolo was arrested after leaving the APC to join the NDC. In Benue State, it cited the reported attack on Igbu Terhemen, the NDC Fiidi Ward Council chairman, who it said later died, calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The movement said the reported incidents were worrying ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that Nigerians should be able to participate in political activities without fear of intimidation or violence.

It recalled warnings by Peter Obi about the danger of Nigeria sliding into anarchy, arguing that the alleged incidents across some states made the need for restraint and effective law enforcement more urgent.

The group urged its members to remain vigilant, document threats and report incidents to the appropriate authorities while exercising their rights within the law.

It also called on political parties and their supporters to respect the constitutional rights of Nigerians to associate with and support political parties of their choice.

“No party has the right to threaten citizens into submission, and no security agency has the right to look away while Nigerians are attacked,” the statement said.

The Obidient Movement urged security agencies to investigate allegations of political violence and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice, warning that failure to address such incidents could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.