Get Guardian on GoogleThe presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned political violence against his supporters following an alleged attack by suspected thugs on participants at the party’s town hall meeting in Oregun, Lagos State.
Obi made this known in a statement posted on his official X handle on Friday, following his attendance at the commendation service of Chief Sir Okey Ezibe, KSC, at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
The service was part of activities leading to the funeral of the late businessman and community leader.
According to Obi, he proceeded to Oregun after the service to join supporters and other participants at the Lagos edition of the NDC’s ongoing series of town hall meetings across the country.
He disclosed that he had earlier received reports that a group of suspected thugs had mobilised to attack participants who arrived early at the meeting venue.
Condemning the development, the former Anambra State governor described political violence as counterproductive, warning that the consequences of lawlessness would affect everyone.
“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,” he said.
Obi, however, said the party proceeded with the town hall meeting despite the disruption and security concerns surrounding the event.
He said participants used the meeting to raise concerns about the economy, the rising cost of living, corruption, insecurity, the welfare of vulnerable citizens and the need to protect the credibility of elections.
Speaking on the party’s priorities, Obi said the primary responsibility of any government was to secure the country and unite citizens around a common purpose.
He also reiterated his commitment to policies aimed at reducing the cost of living, improving the welfare of Nigerians and investing in critical sectors, particularly healthcare and education.
The NDC presidential candidate further identified poverty reduction and support for vulnerable citizens as key areas requiring urgent government attention.
On the forthcoming elections, Obi urged Nigerians to take collective responsibility for protecting the integrity of the electoral process, stressing the need to safeguard votes at every stage of collation.
He said efforts must be made to ensure that votes were properly protected from polling units through ward collation centres to the final collation and declaration of results.
Obi also said the NDC would fulfil its responsibility by deploying competent party agents to polling units to observe and document the electoral process.
He urged supporters and other participants to shun violence while remaining peaceful, vigilant and resolute in defending their democratic rights.
The former governor thanked the organisers of the meeting, the party’s candidates in Lagos State and residents who participated in the engagement, commending their commitment to peaceful democratic participation.
