Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the government and security agencies to investigate and prosecute those behind attacks on members and coordinators of the party and the Obidient Movement in Delta State.
In a statement posted on his X handle, Obi said he was deeply saddened and disturbed by reports of violence against coordinators, supporters and other citizens who were simply exercising their democratic rights.
He condemned the attacks without reservation, saying political violence has no place in a democracy and can never be justified.
“No political aspiration is worth the life of a Nigerian,” he said, adding that no dispute should be settled through intimidation, physical assault or destruction of property.
Obi described it as troubling that, at a time when the country urgently needs responsible leadership, some people still believe political influence can be gained through thuggery, fear and violence.
He argued that political authority should be earned through persuasion and the trust of the people, not by frightening opponents.
He urged the government and security agencies to carry out an immediate and thorough investigation, identify the perpetrators and make sure they face justice regardless of their political affiliation.
He also insisted that the safety and security of party members must be guaranteed.
The former presidential candidate said his supporters would not be cowed or silenced and would not surrender their democratic space to violence. Their response, he said, would remain peaceful, lawful and determined.
“Nigeria belongs to every one of us,” Obi said, stressing that no party or individual has exclusive ownership of the democratic space.
He said every Nigerian is entitled to organise, gather, express views and freely choose their leaders, and that the country needs constructive ideas instead of intimidation, responsible leadership instead of thuggery, and democratic contest instead of political violence.
Obi expressed solidarity with everyone affected in Delta State, saying a New Nigeria must be built on justice, liberty, peace and respect for the dignity of every citizen.
He ended by praying for God’s blessings on Delta State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
