…urges peaceful campaigns ahead 2027
By Our Correspondent
The Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in the forthcoming 2027 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, today, Thursday, attended the funeral of one of his supporters, late Ifeanyi Nwolie, who was reportedly shot dead during a political activity that turned violent.
Obi disclosed this in a press statement narrating how he arrived at the Abuja Airport from the United Kingdom at 5:30 a.m. and immediately connected to a 7 a.m. Enugu Air flight to Enugu to attend the burial in Afa, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The late Nwolie, according to Obi, was one of his supporters who participated in a recent NDC party political activity marred by violence on October 10, 2026.
“Tragically, he was shot. His death is a painful reminder of the devastating human cost of our nation’s current toxic political environment,” Obi said.
Describing the loss as deeply painful, the former Anambra State governor used the occasion to appeal to political actors across all levels to eschew violence as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, I appeal to all candidates contesting at the federal, state, and local government levels to reject violence, ethnic division, and religious bigotry. Our campaigns and activities must be based on issues that will make our country better,” he stated.
Obi, who was at the family compound of the deceased in Afa, Udi LGA, stressed that democracy can only thrive when citizens are allowed to freely express their political choices without intimidation or fear of death.
According to him, the process of attaining public office is more important than the office itself, and must be sanitized to reflect democratic ideals.
“Democracy thrives when citizens can freely express their political choices and participate in the electoral process without fear. The process through which we attain public office is more important than the office itself,” he said.
At the burial, Obi also made a personal pledge to the mother of the deceased, assuring her of continued support in the absence of her son.
“My humble pledge to the mother is that God Almighty, whom it pleased to bring Ifeanyi home, has also given her another son in me to support her as Ifeanyi used to,” Obi said.
He further emphasized that Nigeria’s strength lies in adherence to the rule of law, warning that undermining the rule of law opens the door to disorder, anarchy and needless loss of lives.
“A country’s greatest strength lies in the rule of law. When the rule of law is undermined, the door is opened to disorder and anarchy. We must work together to rebuild and restore a Nigeria where human life is valued above political ambition, and where every citizen can exercise their democratic rights in peace and safety,” he added.
The burial ceremony was attended by family members, community leaders, supporters, and associates of the deceased.
Obi concluded his statement with his signature mantra, reiterating his belief in the possibility of a better Nigeria.
“A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO,” he said.
The death of Ifeanyi Nwolie has continued to generate reactions among supporters who have called for thorough investigation into the October 10 violence and for security agencies to ensure that political activities ahead of 2027 are conducted peacefully.