Anambra Political Tension: Group Urges Police Probe into alleged attack on NDC Supporters

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

Anambra-based socio-cultural group, Oganiru Umu Igbo, has called on the police to investigate the alleged attack on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, and prosecute anyone found culpable.

The group also warned Nnamdi Ifebi, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Idemili North and Idemili South Federal Constituency, against actions capable of escalating political tensions in the state.

The call followed allegations that suspected political thugs attacked NDC supporters in Obosi on Tuesday, damaging vehicles bearing the images of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Engr. Eric Nnamdi Anyamene.

In a statement made available to journalists, the group’s Secretary, Hycenth Ezeokafor, said Oganiru Umu Igbo was non-partisan but concerned about what it described as the growing threat of political violence in Anambra.

Ezeokafor urged the Anambra State Police Command to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and take appropriate legal action against anyone whose involvement was established by evidence.

He cautioned political actors against using intimidation or violence to suppress opposing political views, stressing that the democratic process must allow citizens to support candidates and parties of their choice without fear.

“Mr Ifebi must understand that Anambra is not a theatre for political violence. Nobody should imagine those threats, intimidation or attacks on political opponents will be tolerated,” the group warned.

Oganiru Umu Igbo also expressed concern over allegations that Ifebi was being used to destabilise the state, while stressing the need for such claims to be established through credible evidence rather than allowed to fuel further political tension.

The group challenged the ADC candidate to publicly distance himself from violence and ensure that his supporters respect the rights of political opponents to assemble, campaign and express their political preferences peacefully.

It further urged the police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the Obosi incident, including allegations of damage to vehicles bearing the images of Obi and Anyamene.

The group said those identified as having participated in the alleged attack should be held accountable in accordance with the law, irrespective of their political affiliations.

“We don’t want war in Anambra. Election is not war,” Ezeokafor declared.

The reported incident has raised concerns about political relations in Obosi, particularly amid allegations of attacks on party supporters and destruction of campaign-related property.

Oganiru Umu Igbo called on political parties and their supporters across the state to reject violence, exercise restraint and ensure that political competition does not degenerate into threats, physical assaults or destruction of property.

It maintained that no political ambition justified endangering lives or threatening public peace, urging security agencies to act promptly to prevent further escalation.

The group reiterated that democratic participation must be guided by respect for the rule of law, peaceful engagement and the rights of citizens to make independent political choices.