The Peter Obi Media Office has condemned the attack on the campaign convoy of the NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi by some youths in Calabar, Cross River State, describing the incident as an act of political violence.
The office said the attack, which occurred on Wednesday, was unacceptable and posed a threat to democracy, peaceful political participation and the fundamental rights of Nigerians.
In a statement on Thursday signed by Idris Zekeri Jnr., the Obi Media Office expressed concern over what it described as the exploitation of Nigerian youths by desperate politicians to disrupt democratic activities.
“We are especially alarmed by the calculated exploitation of Nigerian youths by desperate politicians who take advantage of the current economic hardship, entice vulnerable young people with money, and enlist them to carry out violence and obstruct democratic activities,” the statement said.
The office regretted that politicians allegedly financing and organising such attacks often escape consequences, while young people are left to bear the risks.
“Regrettably, the individuals who finance and organise such violence remain safely at home and insulated from the consequences, while innocent youths are manipulated into jeopardising their freedom, future, and lives,” it added.
It urged Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to perpetrate violence, stressing that their future should be built through education, productive participation and leadership.
“Nigerian youths must not be used as tools of destruction by self-serving politicians. Their future should be built through education, productive participation, and leadership—not violence or political thuggery,” the statement said.
The Obi Media Office also called on security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible for the attack and uncover their alleged sponsors.
“We urge the security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation, uncover both the perpetrators and those sponsoring them, and ensure that everyone responsible is held accountable and brought to justice,” it stated.
Reaffirming Obi’s commitment to peaceful political engagement, the office said he remained dedicated to an issue-focused campaign and urged political stakeholders to respect democratic values.
“Peter Obi remains firmly dedicated to a peaceful, issue-focused campaign and urges all political stakeholders to uphold civility, tolerance, and democratic principles,” the statement added.
The office warned that political ambitions should never come at the expense of human lives, declaring: “Nigeria is a nation we all share. No political aspiration justifies the loss of a Nigerian life.”
