By Our Reporter
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – A Nigerian lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor has warned Labour Party presidential hopeful Peter Obi that escalating reports of political violence and threats against opposition supporters could plunge the 2027 general election into a major national crisis if urgent action is not taken.
Ejiofor called on Obi to break his silence, engage relevant authorities and demand credible guarantees for the safety of his supporters and other political actors ahead of the elections.
The lawyer made the call in an open letter addressed to Obi and published on his official X handle on Sunday, October 11, 2026, expressing concern over reported violent attacks and casualties involving members of political parties in different parts of the country.
He specifically cited reports of bloody casualties allegedly arising from an attack on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State, alongside other incidents reportedly targeting members of Obi’s political party.
According to Ejiofor, some of the reported incidents have been alleged to involve individuals linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that such accusations require urgent and impartial investigation.
He, however, emphasised the need for the allegations to be investigated and those found culpable held accountable, irrespective of their political affiliations.
The lawyer also raised concerns over reports that the APC chairman in Edo State had threatened to bite Obi’s face whenever he set his eyes on him.
He described the reported statement as reprehensible, insisting that if accurately reported, it should not be dismissed as ordinary political rhetoric.
Ejiofor warned that the continued normalisation of threats and political violence, particularly when perpetrators are not held accountable, could worsen the security situation and undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
He argued that the provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws against electoral violence must be enforced impartially, warning that perceived selective enforcement could further erode public trust in law enforcement agencies.
Although he stated that he was neither involved in nor seeking involvement in partisan politics, Ejiofor maintained that Obi’s position as a leading opposition figure and presidential aspirant placed a responsibility on him to speak forcefully against attacks on his party members.
He said the reported incidents had gone beyond internal party concerns, describing them as threats to peaceful political participation and potentially to national security.
“You cannot afford to remain silent in pursuit of political sanctimony while your supporters face threats and violence,” Ejiofor warned, urging Obi not to wait until more lives had been lost before raising the alarm.
He advised the former Anambra State governor to urgently engage relevant authorities and demand concrete assurances that his supporters and other political actors would be protected throughout the electoral process.
The lawyer further urged Obi to demonstrate firm, strategic and lawful leadership, noting that political courage should not be confused with recklessness.
According to him, political leaders have a duty to defend the constitutional rights of citizens to participate freely in the democratic process without fear of intimidation or physical harm.
Ejiofor warned that failure to contain the reported pattern of violence at an early stage could make Nigerians afraid to attend campaign rallies, travel to political gatherings or exercise their voting rights.
He described such a development as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic future, urging security agencies and other relevant authorities to act before the situation deteriorates.
“If these challenges are not confronted decisively, you must seriously reconsider how best to discharge your leadership responsibilities,” he told Obi.
He added that preventive action was preferable to mourning avoidable deaths after political violence had escalated.
“ENOUGH MUST BE ENOUGH!” Ejiofor declared, insisting that human life must never be sacrificed on the altar of political ambition.
He called on the relevant authorities to investigate reported threats and attacks, ensure accountability and take immediate steps to prevent further bloodshed as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general election.
The lawyer’s warning comes amid growing concerns over political security ahead of the 2027 polls, with stakeholders expected to ensure that political competition does not degenerate into violence, intimidation and restrictions on citizens’ democratic rights.
