Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi has condemned what he described as political intimidation and violence against his supporters in Lagos State, warning that such actions could threaten Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi made the remarks in a post shared on his X account on Friday after attending the Lagos State edition of his nationwide town hall meetings.
According to him, he travelled from Abuja to Lagos on Thursday to attend the commendation service of the late Chief Sir Okey Ezibe, KSC, held at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, before proceeding to Oregun for the town hall meeting.
He alleged that before the meeting, he received reports that some thugs had been mobilised to attack supporters who arrived early at the venue.
Describing the development as disturbing, Obi said, “Let me reiterate that the political violence being enabled by certain political actors against our supporters is an ill wind that blows no one any good. Anarchy consumes everyone. We will remain law-abiding, even in the face of extreme provocation.”
Despite the reported disruption, Obi said the meeting went ahead, with participants discussing issues affecting Nigerians, including the economy, rising cost of living, insecurity, corruption, healthcare, education and the welfare of vulnerable citizens.
He stressed that government must prioritise national security and unity while implementing policies that improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
On the 2027 elections, Obi urged citizens to protect the sanctity of the electoral process, saying, “Every effort must be made to ensure that votes are properly protected, from the polling unit through ward collation to the final collation and declaration of results.”
He added, “Our party, the NDC, will also fulfil the responsibility to deploy competent agents to polling units to observe and document the process.”
Obi further appealed to Nigerians to remain peaceful while defending their democratic rights, saying, “I encouraged our people to eschew violence while remaining peaceful, vigilant, and resolute in defending their democratic rights.”
The former Anambra State governor also thanked the organisers of the town hall meeting, the party’s candidates in Lagos State and residents of the state for what he described as their commitment to peaceful democratic participation.
Peter Obi has been holding town hall meetings across the country as part of his engagements with Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections, focusing on governance, economic reforms and electoral transparency.
