The legal practitioner raises concerns over reported attacks on political actors, alleged threats and the safety of party supporters as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
Bar Ifeanyi Ejiofor has called on Peter Obi to publicly address reports of political violence and threats against political actors, warning that failure to tackle the situation could undermine peaceful participation in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
In an open letter published on 11 October 2026, Ejiofor urged Obi to intervene by engaging relevant authorities and demanding credible guarantees for the safety of his party members and other political participants.
Titled “An Urgent National Security Alarm to Peter Obi: How Many More Casualties Before You Speak Out?”, the letter expressed concern over reported violent incidents involving members of Obi’s party in different locations.
Ejiofor also referred to reports of casualties arising from an alleged attack on members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State. However, the letter did not provide further details to independently establish the circumstances of the incident.
Concerns over alleged political threats
The letter also raised allegations involving identifiable members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling for impartial investigations and accountability where wrongdoing is established.
Ejiofor cited reports attributing a threat against Obi to the APC chairman in Edo State. According to the letter, the reported threat involved a statement about biting Obi’s face whenever the two encountered each other.
He argued that, if accurately reported, such language should not be dismissed as ordinary political rhetoric, particularly amid wider concerns about threats and violence involving political actors.
The allegations have not been independently verified for this report. The individuals and party officials concerned should have an opportunity to respond to the claims.
Calls for impartial law enforcement
Ejiofor further expressed concern that perceived selective enforcement of laws against electoral violence could weaken public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
He maintained that political affiliation should not shield anyone from accountability and called for the relevant authorities to investigate allegations of violence and threats without favouritism.
According to him, the responsibility to address the situation extends beyond party interests, touching on citizens’ constitutional rights to participate freely and safely in the democratic process.
Obi urged to engage authorities
Although he stated that he was neither involved in nor seeking involvement in partisan political activities, Ejiofor argued that Obi’s political position placed a responsibility on him to speak publicly against attacks on party supporters.
He urged the former presidential candidate to engage relevant authorities and seek effective measures to protect party members and other political actors.
Ejiofor also warned that continued political violence could discourage Nigerians from attending campaign rallies, travelling to political gatherings or exercising their right to vote.
He called for preventive action before further casualties occur, stressing that political competition should not come at the expense of human life.
A warning ahead of 2027
As preparations for the 2027 general elections continue, the letter highlights concerns about political safety, accountability and the protection of democratic participation.
Ejiofor concluded by calling for decisive action to prevent threats from escalating into further violence, urging authorities and political leaders to prioritise the safety of citizens and the integrity of the electoral process.
The specific incidents and allegations referenced in the letter require independent verification, including responses from the parties and officials concerned, before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
