The Obidient Movement has warned that it will no longer remain passive in the face of attacks on Nigerians or its supporters during political campaigns and elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The movement issued the warning following a reported attack on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and other participants during a One Million Man March in Warri, Delta State.
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, condemned the incident and called on security agencies to investigate political violence and protect Nigerians exercising their constitutional rights.
In a statement, Tanko said the reported attack was part of a worrying pattern of political intimidation in Delta State and urged security agencies to take steps to prevent similar incidents as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 elections.
The march, which was reportedly organised in support of the NDC, was initially scheduled to begin at Angle Park in Warri South. According to accounts cited by PUNCH, participants were dispersed from the venue and later moved towards the Total filling station area following discussions with the police.
The situation allegedly escalated when the participants were attacked again. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident and the identities of those responsible remain subject to investigation.
The reported violence had earlier been brought to public attention after allegations that suspected thugs attacked supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso during political mobilisation in Warri. PUNCH reported that videos circulated following the incident, although the allegations about who organised or sponsored the attackers had not been independently established.
Tanko said Nigerians had a constitutional right to campaign, mobilise, assemble and support candidates of their choice without intimidation.
He warned that the movement would resist attempts to prevent its members or other Nigerians from participating in political activities, while insisting that it did not intend to initiate violence.
“We are peaceful, but we are not helpless. We will not initiate violence, but neither will we surrender our people to intimidation,” Tanko said, according to PUNCH.
The Obidient Movement also called on political actors and security agencies to ensure that the 2027 electoral process is conducted in an environment where supporters of different parties and candidates can freely campaign.
The warning comes amid increasing political mobilisation across the country ahead of the 2027 elections, with political parties and support groups beginning to organise rallies, marches and other campaign-related activities.
The movement’s position has also attracted attention because of its reference to resistance and self-defence. However, its statement said it would not initiate violence and framed its demand around the protection of Nigerians’ constitutional rights.
The APC has been accused by the Obidient Movement of involvement in the alleged violence, but the available reports do not establish that allegation as fact. The APC has previously denied involvement in a separate reported attack in Delta State.
Security agencies are therefore expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the Warri incident and determine whether any offences were committed.
The development has renewed calls for political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct campaigns peacefully and allow Nigerians to participate in political activities without threats or intimidation.
With political activities expected to intensify as the 2027 elections approach, concerns over campaign-related violence are likely to remain a major issue for security agencies and electoral stakeholders.
The Obidient Movement maintained that political contests should ultimately be settled through votes rather than violence, with Tanko stressing that Nigerians should determine the outcome of elections at the ballot box.
