The Obidient Movement has raised the alarm over alleged political intimidation and violence in Delta State. They're urging security agencies to step in and ensure a peaceful environment for the upcoming 2027 general elections. The group’s National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, issued a stern statement on Sunday. He condemned an attack on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and other participants during a One Million Man March in Warri on Friday.
Tanko described the incident as part of a disturbing trend of political violence targeting opposition supporters in the state. "The Obidient Movement condemns the reported attack on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and innocent Nigerians by thugs during the One Million Man March in Warri, Delta State, on Friday," he stated. "This history of growing political violence in Delta State isn't an isolated concern."
The NDC candidate for Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, echoed these concerns. He demanded an immediate investigation from the police, Department of State Services, and other security bodies. Omo-Agege alleged that the violence was a deliberate effort to stop the opposition party from exercising its constitutional rights to campaign and rally supporters. He explained that the march, initially planned for Angle Park in Warri South, had its participants dispersed from the venue. Even after discussions with the police led them to the Total filling station area, the NDC supporters reportedly faced another attack.
This development follows an earlier claim by Omo-Agege himself that his convoy was attacked in Delta State by armed individuals. That attack resulted in injuries to six NDC members. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has since denied any involvement in the incident. The Obidient Movement is now warning that they won't stand by idly during the 2027 campaign season.
"On this note, the Obidient Movement is putting security agencies on notice that we won't sit back as lame ducks throughout the campaign season and on election day while political thugs attack Nigerians exercising their democratic rights," Tanko declared. He stressed that all Nigerians have a constitutional right to campaign, mobilize, assemble, and support candidates of their choice. The movement vowed to defend these rights through all available means. This includes "lawful resistance, mass mobilization, and even self-defence, as guaranteed by Section 33, and Subsection 2(a) of the Nigerian Constitution."
Tanko further asserted that Nigeria belongs to everyone. No single political party has the authority to dictate who can campaign, where people can gather, or whom they can support. "We're peaceful, but we're not helpless. We won't initiate violence, but neither will we surrender our people to intimidation," he added. The Obidient leader urged all Nigerians to reject political violence. He emphasized that the 2027 elections should be decided by voters at the ballot box, not by the actions of political thugs on the streets.