COPDEM Ebonyi Condemns Attack on Peter Obi, Demands Probe Into Benue Incident

The Ebonyi State Directorate of Mobilization and Civil Society Engagement of the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) has condemned the alleged attack on former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State.
In a press release dated September 9, 2026, and signed by the State Director, Dr. Darlington Onwukaike Okey, the group described the incident as “barbaric and unacceptable,” alleging that hoodlums led by an aide to the Benue State Governor disrupted Obi’s movement and prevented him from carrying out a planned condolence visit to victims and communities affected by violence in the state.
COPDEM Ebonyi said the reported incident constituted a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic values, fundamental human rights and national cohesion, warning that political differences must never become a justification for violence or intimidation.
The organisation called on relevant security agencies and government authorities to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliation or position.
The group further urged political parties, leaders and their supporters to embrace peaceful engagement, tolerance and issue-based campaigns as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to ensure that political actors are able to campaign and mobilise freely, without intimidation, obstruction or violence.
COPDEM Ebonyi particularly appealed to Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be recruited as instruments of political violence, stressing that young Nigerians already bear the consequences of economic hardship, inflation, corruption, institutional weaknesses, insecurity, banditry and kidnapping.
According to the group, resorting to violence would only compound the challenges confronting the country and further jeopardise the future of Nigerian youths.
The organisation maintained that Nigeria’s democratic transition should be defined by peaceful competition, respect for divergent political views and the right of citizens and political candidates to move freely and engage with communities across the country.
COPDEM Ebonyi therefore urged security agencies to act professionally and impartially, insisting that the reported attack must not be treated as merely another political confrontation but as an incident requiring transparent investigation and accountability.
The statement was signed by Dr. Darlington Onwukaike Okey, State Director, COPDEM Ebonyi State Directorate of Mobilization and Civil Society Engagement.
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