By Jude Opara
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a support group in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), known as the NDC -Peter Obi Support Network (NDC-POSN) has raised the alarm over the alleged continuous government harassment and intimidation of the party’s presidential candidate in the forthcoming elections.
A statement signed the spokesperson of the group, Mrs Mercy L Akums called for restraint, insisting that Obi, like every other citizen has the right to aspire for any office in the country, and must not be harassed by the the government of the day.
She said the group is committed to the political ideals of Obi which is to unite Nigerians and advancing the vision of a New Nigeria built on good governance, accountability, and opportunity for all.
It could be recalled that Obi had in a message he recently posted on his X expressed fears about his safety ahead of the 2027 elections, sighting series of harassments and intimidations he experiences every day.
The statement read in parts: “Speaking during an interview on the “With Chude” platform hosted by media personality Chude Jideonwo, Mr. Obi expressed serious fears for his personal safety and political survival, alleging systematic frustration of his livelihood and personal activities by the Federal Government.
”With the way this government is going, I may not even be alive to contest the 2027 election. Every single thing I do for a living, this government is deliberately frustrating. I face frustration every day. They recently locked my car at the airport.
“It’s not an accusation. I know. I get frustration every day… They are attacking everybody who is in opposition, personally I am being attacked. Everything, even to provide me with necessary things that I should have been entitled to, not at all”, Obi was quoted to have said.
The NDC-POSN further stated that it views these developments with the utmost seriousness, warning that any form of targeted harassment, economic sabotage, social isolation, or intimidation directed at political opponents undermines the foundations of our democracy, violates constitutional rights, and threatens the peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
The group then made some remarkable demands from the federal government, including to immediately investigate the development and ensuring adequate protection of Peter Obi and his family, before during and after the elections.
“The Federal Government to immediately investigate these allegations thoroughly and transparently, and to ensure that no individual or agency engages in acts that endanger lives or frustrate lawful political participation.
“Security agencies — including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS)— to provide adequate protection to Mr. Obi, his family, and all political actors exercising their democratic rights”.
The NDC-POSN reaffirms its unwavering commitment to mobilizing supporters across Nigeria and the diaspora for the NDC ticket of Mr. Peter Obi and Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in the 2027 presidential election.
“Attempts to silence or intimidate will only strengthen our resolve to work peacefully and lawfully for a New Nigeria where every citizen can aspire and contribute without fear”.
The statement urged its members and supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and focused on the task of building a new Nigeria that works for all, irrespective of their tribe or creed.
