By SCM Staff Writer I Saturday, Sept 19, 2026
WARRI, DELTA STATE — As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Obidient Movement has strongly condemned the violent attacks on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and innocent citizens during a “One Million Man March” in Warri, Delta State, on Friday, September 18, 2026.
In a sharp press statement issued by its Media and Communications Directorate, the group accused political thugs sponsored by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the violent disruption in Warri. The movement warned that opposition supporters and everyday Nigerians will no longer act as “lame ducks” in the face of escalating political thuggery and state intimidation.
Rising Tide of Political Violence
Addressing the incident in Warri, the Obidient Movement stressed that the attack in Delta State is not an isolated breach of security, but part of a systematic campaign aimed at silencing opposition parties ahead of upcoming elections.
The statement referenced previous violent clashes in Delta Central Senatorial District, where the NDC candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, alleged that his convoy was ambushed by armed assailants, leaving six party supporters injured. Although the ruling APC previously denied involvement in the ambush, the Obidient Movement maintained that the ruling party holds a documented history of political thuggery aimed at suppressing voter turnout.
The group further highlighted a recent attack on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Ihuani Awkunanaw in Obuofia, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. During that incident, armed hoodlums invaded an NDC grassroots voter sensitisation meeting, shooting eight attendees. The movement expressed dismay that no arrests or prosecutions have been made regarding the Enugu shootings.
APC Leadership and Rhetoric Under Scrutiny
The Obidient Movement attributed the escalating hostility to recent inflammatory statements made by senior leaders of the ruling party. Specifically, the statement cited public remarks by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where he allegedly suggested that “all is fair in politics.” The group argued that such rhetoric has been interpreted by state and local party actors as a green light to employ violent intimidation.
According to the movement, video evidence across several states shows local government chairmen and party officials openly threatening residents with violence should they fail to vote for the ruling party. The statement further accused security agencies of either providing cover for political thugs or standing by indifferently while citizens exercising their constitutional rights are assaulted.
Constitutional Right to Self-Defence
Placing security agencies, the ruling party, and political operatives on notice, the Obidient Movement declared that the era of passive resistance has come to an end.
The group affirmed that under Section 33, Subsection 2(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), every citizen possesses an inalienable right to life and lawful self-defence against unlawful physical violence.
”If the security agencies saddled with the responsibility of maintaining law and order have decided to become partisan and shield political thugs perpetrating violence, it is important to emphasise that nobody has a monopoly of violence,” the statement read.
“We are peaceful, but we are not helpless. We will not initiate violence, but neither will we surrender our people to intimidation. Henceforth, every violent act by the APC and its thugs against Nigerians will be returned in equal or double measure.”
The movement emphasized that while retaliation could risk wider instability, the blame rests squarely on the ruling party for provoking anarchy and attempting to coerce the electorate.
Call to Action and Institutional Notice
Reiterating its commitment to a democratic process, the Obidient Movement stated that the 2027 general elections must be decided through the ballot box rather than street violence.
The statement was officially copied to key national and international institutions, including the Inspector-General of Police (@PoliceNG), the Independent National Electoral Commission (@inecnigeria), the Defence Headquarters (@DHQNigeria), the European Union Council (@EUCouncil), as well as major local and international media outlets.
The movement concluded with a firm warning to political actors: “This country belongs to Nigerians, not Tinubu and his thugs. No political party has the right to determine who can campaign or where Nigerians can gather. Nigeria must be OK.”
Background and Context to the Story
Political violence in Nigeria often peaks during pre-election mobilization phases as political parties battle for territorial control and voter dominance.
Delta State Dynamics: Delta State has historically been a volatile battleground during election cycles. Violent incidents involving inter-party clashes during rallies and stakeholder meetings have frequently drawn public condemnation and prompted calls for independent security probes.
Constitutional Framework on Self-Defence: Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to life. Section 33(2)(a) explicitly provides that the use of reasonable force necessary for defending a person from unlawful violence does not violate this right. The invocation of this constitutional provision by political groups underscores growing public dissatisfaction with state security apparatuses during election seasons.
Role of the Obidient Movement: Emerging as a major political force during the 2023 general elections behind presidential candidate Peter Obi, the Obidient Movement consists primarily of youth-led grassroots mobilizers.
The movement continues to play an active role in political advocacy, voter education, and civil rights protection ahead of the 2027 polls.
