The Obidient Movement has warned that it will no longer stand by if Nigerians or members of the movement face attacks during political campaigns and elections, as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
National Coordinator of the movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, issued the warning while reacting to the reported attack on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and other participants during a One Million Man March in Warri, Delta State, on Friday, September 18, 2026. Reports said suspected political thugs disrupted the mobilisation activity involving supporters of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso and other opposition campaigners.
The circumstances surrounding the reported incident, including the identities of those responsible and whether firearms were used, have not been independently established in all reports. However, accounts from people associated with the campaign alleged that attackers targeted members of the campaign team and supporters who were mobilising in Warri.
Obidient Movement Calls for Protection of Political Rights
Tanko said Nigerians have a constitutional right to campaign, mobilise, assemble and support candidates of their choice without facing intimidation or violence, while urging security agencies to protect citizens participating in political activities.
The Obidient Movement also called on security authorities to maintain peace and order throughout the campaign period and arrest individuals responsible for acts of violence. Tanko said political groups should be allowed to conduct their activities without threats or attacks, stressing that political disagreements should not prevent Nigerians from exercising their democratic rights.
The warning also followed an earlier allegation by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the NDC candidate for Delta Central Senatorial District, who claimed that armed men attacked his convoy in Delta State and injured six NDC members. The APC has denied involvement in that incident.
According to reports, the Obidient Movement linked the Warri incident to broader concerns about political violence as parties and political movements begin increasing their grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections. The movement has urged security agencies to investigate reported attacks and ensure that political actors and ordinary citizens can participate in the electoral process without fear.
Tanko further warned that members of the movement and other Nigerians would not simply remain passive when political violence occurs. He said the movement would rely on lawful resistance, mass mobilisation and self-defence while insisting that it would not initiate violence.
The Obidient Movement has also maintained that political disputes should be settled through democratic processes rather than intimidation or physical attacks. Tanko urged Nigerians to reject political violence and allow voters to determine the outcome of the 2027 elections at the ballot box.
With campaign and mobilisation activities expected to increase as the 2027 elections approach, the latest warning adds to growing calls for security agencies to prevent political violence and protect participants across the country. The reported events in Delta State have therefore renewed attention on the need for peaceful political engagement and the protection of citizens during the electoral period.
The Obidient Movement further stressed that political campaigns should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to present their ideas, engage with voters and discuss issues affecting communities rather than becoming occasions for confrontation between rival supporters. The movement urged political actors and their supporters to respect the rights of other participants, particularly as more groups begin organising rallies and other mobilisation activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group also called for greater attention to the security of political gatherings, noting that campaign events can attract large numbers of supporters and therefore require adequate arrangements to prevent disturbances. It said security agencies should respond quickly to reports of threats or attacks and ensure that individuals who violate the law face appropriate investigation and prosecution.
The Obidient Movement maintained that creating a peaceful political environment requires cooperation between political organisations, security agencies and citizens, especially during periods of heightened political activity. It urged Nigerians to remain committed to peaceful participation and to use lawful democratic channels when disagreements arise during the election season.