RULAAC demands probe into killing of Obi’s supporter in Enugu
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called for a prompt and impartial investigation into the reported killing of Ifeanyi Nwolie during a political activity organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State, warning that the incident highlights the need for urgent action against political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nwolie was reportedly fatally shot during the incident on October 10, 2026. He was buried on Thursday, October 22, in his hometown of Afa, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
In a statement issued on Thursday, RULAAC Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, urged security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and ensure that anyone found culpable through credible evidence is held accountable.
The organisation also called for adequate protection for witnesses and regular updates to the deceased’s family on the progress of the investigation.
TheNiche reported that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi attended Nwolie’s burial and pledged to continue the monthly financial assistance the deceased had been providing to his mother for 15 months, through December 2027.
RULAAC expressed condolences to the bereaved family, acknowledging Obi’s gesture of support while stressing that financial assistance could not replace the need for justice.
The organisation recalled that it had warned against rising political violence ahead of the 2027 elections in an appeal published by TheNiche on October 5, five days before the reported shooting.
According to RULAAC, the earlier statement urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to address threats, intimidation and disruptions of lawful political activities before they resulted in fatalities.
The organisation said Nwolie’s reported killing had reinforced the urgency of those demands, urging authorities to demonstrate the practical steps being taken to protect political participation and prevent further loss of life.
RULAAC urged the Enugu State Commissioner of Police to publicly outline the investigative steps taken so far.
It also called on investigators to secure medical and forensic evidence, interview witnesses, determine how firearms were used during the political activity and investigate any evidence of planning, sponsorship or direction of the violence.
The group cautioned against treating public allegations as established facts, insisting that the identities, affiliations and responsibilities of those involved must be determined through evidence.
It further urged the Inspector-General of Police to provide effective oversight and adequate investigative support, adding that anyone implicated by credible evidence should face prosecution through the appropriate authorities, regardless of political affiliation or status.
RULAAC called on President Tinubu to reaffirm that political connections would not shield anyone from investigation or prosecution.
It urged INEC to strengthen the documentation and early reporting of political intimidation and violence, coordinate preventive measures with relevant institutions and refer suspected offences to the appropriate authorities.
RULAAC also called on the police and other security agencies to assess threats before political events, respond promptly to credible warnings and investigate those who organise or finance violence, rather than focusing solely on immediate perpetrators.
The group urged state governments to support victims and their families, facilitate accountability and ensure that public resources and state-backed security structures were not used to intimidate political opponents.
Political parties and candidates were also asked to reject incitement and armed intimidation, cooperate with lawful investigations and take disciplinary action against members found responsible through fair procedures.
RULAAC stressed that witnesses, journalists and citizens documenting political violence must be protected from retaliation, harassment and arbitrary arrest.
It also called for political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections to focus on issues and remain free from violence, ethnic hostility and religious bigotry.
The organisation maintained that citizens must be able to attend political meetings, support candidates and express their political opinions without fear of violence, regardless of which party controls a particular community or state.
“No political ambition justifies the taking of a human life,” RULAAC said, urging authorities to strengthen election security measures well before election day.
