(DDM) – The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), Delta State Chapter, has condemned the alleged attack on Peter Obi and leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Party in Edo State, accusing opposition elements of orchestrating the incident.
Evang. Benok Nwanji, Delta State Chairman of COPDEM, made the condemnation while speaking to COPDEM State Media in Asaba on Wednesday.
He described the reported attack as unacceptable and a direct assault on democratic engagement.
According to Nwanji, political competition must never descend into violence or intimidation.
He insisted that democracy thrives when parties challenge each other with ideas and strategies, not aggression or intimidation.
Reports had indicated that unidentified individuals disrupted a political gathering in Edo State involving Peter Obi and other ADC leaders.
While authorities have yet to release an official investigation report, the incident has already drawn reactions from political stakeholders across multiple states.
Evang. Benok Nwanji stated that any attempt to intimidate opposition leaders weakens public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
He warned that shrinking political space through violence or harassment could set a dangerous precedent.
He called on security agencies to conduct a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation into the alleged attack.
He urged law enforcement authorities to identify and prosecute anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation.
Political analysts note that tensions often heighten ahead of major political realignments, particularly when influential opposition figures attend events outside their strongholds.
Observers also stress that political tolerance remains critical in a pluralistic democracy.
The COPDEM Delta State Chairman emphasised that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of association and peaceful political participation. He said citizens and political leaders must feel safe when exercising those rights.
Evang. Benok Nwanji further appealed to party leaders across the political spectrum to preach restraint and responsible conduct among their supporters.
He stressed that inflammatory rhetoric and partisan hostility could escalate tensions unnecessarily.
He reaffirmed COPDEM’s commitment to protecting democratic values and promoting peaceful civic engagement in Delta State and beyond.
As of the time of reporting, security agencies in Edo State had not issued a comprehensive public statement on the matter.
COPDEM Delta concluded by urging all Nigerians to reject violence in politics and to safeguard democratic principles through lawful and peaceful means.
