The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the reported political violence in Enugu State and prosecute those found culpable, irrespective of their political affiliation or status.
Obi, through his media office also condemned alleged acts of intimidation and politically motivated violence in the state, insisting that no political ambition could justify the killing of Nigerians.
He maintained that no governor was above the law and no political party had the right to claim ownership of any state or the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesman of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), Idris Zekeri Jnr, Obi said political parties should seek the people’s mandate through their records in office and the ballot box rather than resort to violence and intimidation.
“If the APC has accomplishments to present, it should disclose them to Nigerians. If it enjoys the people’s confidence, it should face them at the ballot box. Violence, intimidation, and the killing of citizens cannot substitute for competent governance,” the statement said.
Obi described the persistent reports of intimidation in Enugu State as unacceptable, urging political leaders to condemn violence unequivocally and demonstrate their commitment to democratic principles.
He expressed concern that, rather than presenting their achievements, advancing constructive ideas and seeking public support, some political leaders were allegedly presiding over a climate of violence in which citizens were losing their lives for electoral gains.
“The ongoing violence in Enugu demands an immediate and comprehensive investigation—not excuses, unchecked denials, or political concealment,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor called on security agencies to investigate all credible allegations of politically motivated killings, threats and attacks in Enugu State impartially and without fear or favour.
He urged the authorities to establish those who allegedly ordered, funded, facilitated or carried out the attacks and ensure that anyone found culpable was prosecuted in accordance with the law.
According to him, public office must not serve as a shield against justice, while political affiliation must not determine whose life is valued or who is held accountable for criminal acts.
Obi also urged electoral and law enforcement authorities to take preventive measures against political violence, protect opposition candidates and supporters, and guarantee that Nigerians could participate in the democratic process without fear.
He stressed that victims of political violence and their families deserved justice, while the public deserved transparent answers from the authorities.
“There must be no misunderstanding: no governor is above the law, no political party owns the state, and no political aspiration can justify the loss of even one Nigerian life,” the statement added.
Obi further insisted that everyone responsible for political violence must be held accountable, regardless of their position, influence or political connections.
He urged Nigerians to resist attempts to intimidate opposition figures through lawful, peaceful and democratic means, adding that citizens must not surrender their constitutional rights in the face of threats.
“Democracy belongs to the people, not to those who seek power through fear,” he said.
The statement added that political leaders should be prepared to account for their records in office and answer questions about their conduct rather than resort to violence against political opponents.
“Our message is clear: account for your record, answer for your conduct, and face the Nigerian people—not the barrel of a gun,” Obi said.
He maintained that Nigeria needed leaders who could earn public confidence through measurable results, respect for human life and adherence to the rule of law.
According to him, the ballot must not become a battleground, while justice must not be sacrificed on the altar of political power.
