The Obidient Movement has warned against further attacks on opposition supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying it will resist attempts to intimidate Nigerians during political campaigns.
The warning followed a reported attack on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and other Nigerians during a One Million Man March in Warri, Delta State, on Friday.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the movement accused members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of sponsoring political thugs to attack opposition supporters. The APC has not been quoted as responding to the latest allegation.
The movement said its supporters would no longer remain passive in the face of political violence, while maintaining that Nigerians have constitutional rights to assemble, campaign and support candidates of their choice.
It warned that further attacks would be met with resistance, saying it would consider what it described as lawful resistance, mass mobilisation and self-defence to protect its supporters.
The group, however, acknowledged the danger of escalating political violence and said reciprocal attacks could create conditions capable of leading to wider disorder.
The Obidient Movement linked the Warri incident to what it described as a broader pattern of political violence in Delta State and other parts of the country.
It also referred to an earlier alleged attack on the convoy of NDC candidate for Delta Central Senatorial District, Ovie Omo-Agege. Six NDC members were reportedly injured in that incident, although the APC has denied involvement.
The movement further cited a September 12 attack on an NDC ward meeting and voter-sensitisation programme in Ihuani Awkunanaw, Obuofia, in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, where it said eight people were shot.
The allegations come amid broader concerns about political violence ahead of the 2027 elections. Recent election monitoring reports have documented incidents involving threats, disruption of political activities and allegations of attacks involving supporters of rival political groups.
The movement called on security agencies to protect citizens participating in political activities and ensure that parties and candidates are able to campaign without intimidation.
It also urged political actors to avoid actions that could heighten tensions, stressing that political disagreements should not be settled through violence.
The group maintained that the 2027 election should ultimately be determined through voting rather than intimidation or attacks.
With campaign activities expected to intensify as the election approaches, renewed incidents of political violence could increase pressure on security agencies and political parties to enforce commitments to peaceful electioneering.
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