Enugu political violence: Obi’s camp demands probe, prosecution of perpetrators
Peter Obi’s camp has called for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into reports of political violence in Enugu State, demanding the prosecution of anyone found responsible for politically motivated killings, threats and attacks.
The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) also condemned alleged intimidation in the state, urging security agencies to investigate the incidents impartially and establish those who ordered, funded, enabled or carried out the attacks.
In a statement issued on Sunday, POMR spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr., said violence and intimidation were unacceptable substitutes for good governance and urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to present its achievements to Nigerians.
“If the APC has accomplishments to present, it should disclose them to Nigerians. If it enjoys the people’s confidence, it should face them at the ballot box,” the statement read.
“Violence, intimidation, and the killing of citizens cannot substitute for competent governance. The persistent reports of intimidation in Enugu State are unacceptable and must be unequivocally condemned.”
The group accused some state governors of presiding over political violence instead of presenting their records and winning public support through constructive ideas.
“Any political leadership that allows fear to replace persuasion must be held responsible,” Zekeri said.
He added that the ongoing violence in Enugu required an immediate investigation rather than “excuses, unchecked denials, or political concealment.”
POMR called on security agencies to investigate all credible allegations of politically motivated killings, threats and attacks without fear or favour.
“The authorities must establish who ordered, funded, enabled, or carried out these acts and ensure that everyone found culpable is prosecuted according to the law,” the statement said.
It stressed that holding public office should not shield anyone from justice, while political affiliation should not determine the value placed on human life or whether an individual is held accountable for a crime.
The group also urged electoral and law enforcement authorities to take preventive measures against political violence, protect opposition candidates and supporters, and guarantee citizens the freedom to participate in the democratic process without fear.
“Victims and their families deserve justice, while the public deserves clear and transparent answers,” it added.
Warning against the use of violence to achieve political objectives, POMR declared that no governor was above the law and no political party had ownership of a state.
“There must be no misunderstanding: no governor is above the law, no political party owns the state, and no political aspiration can justify the loss of even one Nigerian life,” the statement said.
The group urged Nigerians to resist attempts to intimidate the opposition through lawful, peaceful and democratic means, insisting that citizens would not surrender their constitutional rights because of threats and violence.
“Nigerians will not surrender their constitutional rights in the face of threats and violence. Democracy belongs to the people, not to those who seek power through fear,” it said.
Concluding its statement, POMR challenged political leaders to account for their performance and conduct rather than resort to violence.
“Our message is clear: account for your record, answer for your conduct, and face the Nigerian people—not the barrel of a gun,” Zekeri said.
The group maintained that Nigeria needed leaders who earned public trust through results, respected human life and upheld the rule of law.
“The ballot must never become a battleground, nor must justice be sacrificed to political power,” the statement added.
