Peter Obi has condemned a violent attack on Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) coordinators and Obidient Movement members in Asaba, Delta State.
The attack reportedly occurred on Saturday, November 7, 2026, during a political rally organised by NDC supporters.
Several participants reportedly sustained injuries, while suspected political thugs allegedly vandalised campaign vehicles.
One of the victims was reportedly stabbed during the confrontation.
Obi, the NDC presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, described the incident as disturbing.
He demanded an immediate investigation and prosecution of everyone responsible.
Attack Disrupts NDC Rally in Asaba
The incident occurred during a reported one-million-man march organised by NDC supporters.
The procession reportedly moved from Summit Road towards Interbau Roundabout in Asaba.
According to The Guardian, armed hoodlums carrying sticks and other dangerous weapons disrupted the gathering.
Several participants reportedly sustained injuries, while dozens of campaign vehicles were vandalised.
The injured participants were reportedly receiving medical attention at undisclosed hospitals.
The Delta State Secretary of the Obidient Movement, Josiah Omenuwoma, confirmed the incident.
He alleged that supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were responsible.
Omenuwoma also identified an individual allegedly connected with the Oshimili North Local Government task force.
However, the allegations against the APC and the individual have not been independently established.
The APC reportedly dismissed accusations linking its members to the violence.
Vanguard reported that the party described the allegations as baseless and unsupported by evidence.
Peter Obi Demands Immediate Investigation
Reacting to the incident, Obi expressed sadness and outrage over the reported attacks.
He condemned the violence against NDC coordinators, supporters and other citizens exercising their democratic rights.
The presidential candidate insisted that political disagreements must never result in intimidation or physical attacks.
He also rejected the destruction of property as a means of resolving political disputes.
Obi particularly criticised politicians who allegedly seek influence through fear, intimidation and violence.
He maintained that political authority should emerge through persuasion and public confidence.
In his statement, Obi said:
I am profoundly saddened and deeply disturbed by reports of violence directed at members and coordinators of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Obidient Movement in Delta State.
I unequivocally condemn the attacks against our coordinators, supporters, and fellow citizens who were merely exercising their democratic rights.
Political violence has no place in a democracy and can never be justified.
No political aspiration is worth the life of a Nigerian. No dispute should be resolved through intimidation, physical attacks, or destruction of property.
Obi Calls on Security Agencies to Prosecute Perpetrators
Obi called on the government and security agencies to investigate the incident immediately.
He demanded the identification and prosecution of everyone involved, regardless of political affiliation.
He also urged authorities to guarantee the safety of NDC members and supporters.
According to him, Nigeria urgently needs responsible leadership rather than political intimidation.
He warned that violence could undermine democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi further declared that the NDC and Obidient Movement would not abandon their political activities.
He insisted that their response would remain peaceful, lawful and determined.
‘No Political Party Owns Nigeria’s Democratic Space’
Obi emphasised that Nigeria’s democratic space belongs to every citizen.
He rejected any suggestion that a political party or individual could claim exclusive ownership.
He maintained that every Nigerian has the right to organise, assemble and express political opinions.
Citizens must also enjoy the freedom to choose their preferred political leaders.
The former Anambra governor called for constructive political engagement instead of intimidation.
He urged political actors to embrace responsible leadership and democratic competition.
He said:
We will not be intimidated or silenced, nor will we relinquish our democratic space to violence.
Nigeria belongs to every one of us.
No political party or individual has exclusive ownership of the democratic space.
Every Nigerian is entitled to organise, gather, express their views, and freely elect their leaders.
Obi concluded by expressing solidarity with everyone affected by the violence.
He said a New Nigeria must rest on justice, liberty, peace and respect for human dignity.
He also prayed for God’s blessings upon Delta State and Nigeria.
Growing Concerns Over Political Violence Ahead of 2027
The Asaba incident has intensified concerns about political intolerance ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
It also follows reported attacks involving Obi’s political activities in other states.
The NDC previously condemned an alleged attack on Obi’s convoy in Calabar, Cross River State.
Political violence threatens citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly.
Security agencies must therefore investigate reported attacks without political interference.
Authorities must also establish the identities of perpetrators and any possible sponsors.
As political activities intensify, protecting opposition parties and their supporters remains essential.
Nigeria’s democracy depends on peaceful competition, equal political rights and credible elections.
