Movement condemns alleged intimidation, demands safe and equal playing field for all candidates ahead of 2027 elections
By Felix Oti, Awka
The Anambra State Obidient Movement has called on the Federal Government, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take urgent steps to prevent political intimidation, thuggery and violence from undermining Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The call followed the reported blockade of the convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in Benue State on Tuesday.
Obi was reportedly travelling to Yelwata to sympathise with communities affected by deadly violence when his convoy was stopped along Gboko Road in Makurdi.
Videos from the scene showed a crowd blocking the road, with some protesters chanting, _“We don’t want Peter Obi.”
The police later confirmed that youths had blocked the convoy but said the reason was unknown, adding that an investigation was underway.
OBIDIENT MOVEMENT REACTS*
Reacting in a statement issued after a meeting of the State Executive in Awka, the Anambra Obidient Movement described the development as disturbing.
The statement was jointly signed by Chief Comrade Charles Obiora Anueyiagu, Lead Coordinator, and *Comrade Edwin Utazi, Secretary.
“No electoral victory is worth the blood of a Nigerian. No political disagreement justifies an attack on another citizen, the statement said.
The group warned that political intimidation threatens not only candidates but every Nigerian seeking to exercise their constitutional right to participate in democracy.
DEMANDS
The movement demanded:
Accountability- Anyone found to have organized or participated in unlawful obstruction or violence should be prosecuted.
Equal protection under the law for all political actors.
A safe political environment where citizens can choose freely without fear.
It called on the Nigeria Police Force, Benue State Government and other security agencies to investigate and bring culprits to justice.
It also urged political parties to resist using youths as instruments of confrontation.
“Elections are contests of ideas, policies and competing visions. They must never become contests of intimidation, road blockades, threats or physical violence,” the statement added.
CALL TO FG, INEC
The Anambra Obidients further called on the Federal Government, security agencies and INEC to create a safe and equal playing field* for all candidates in 2027.
They warned that if a presidential candidate could be prevented from moving freely, it raises serious concerns for ordinary Nigerians.
_“Enough of political thuggery. Enough of intimidation. Nigeria must choose democracy over violence,”Anueyiagu and Utazi declared.
Also speaking, stakeholder Mr. Paul Chuks Umenduka urged political actors to settle disagreements through democratic means.
“The road to 2027 must be defined by ideas, issues, accountability and persuasion,” he said.
