By Nkechi Eze
Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged continued financial support to the mother of Ifeanyi Nwolie, his supporter who was shot dead during a political activity in Enugu State, while calling on political actors to reject violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi made the pledge after attending Nwolie’s burial in his hometown of Afa, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, assuring the bereaved mother that he would support her following the death of her son.
In a statement signed by his spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, Obi said he had offered to provide the equivalent of 15 months of the deceased’s monthly stipend to his mother, extending the support through December 2027.
“My humble pledge to the mother is that God Almighty, whom it pleased to bring Ifeanyi home, has also given her another son in me to support her, as Ifeanyi used to,” Obi said.
The NDC presidential candidate disclosed in a post on his X handle that he travelled from the United Kingdom and proceeded directly to Enugu to attend the funeral of Nwolie, who was reportedly shot during a political activity involving the party on October 10, 2026.
Describing the death as a painful reminder of the consequences of political violence, Obi urged politicians across the country to prioritise peaceful engagement and issue-based campaigns as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
“His death is a painful reminder of the devastating human cost of our nation’s current toxic political environment,” he said.
Obi appealed to candidates contesting elections at the federal, state and local government levels to reject violence, ethnic division and religious bigotry, insisting that political campaigns should focus on policies and ideas capable of improving the country.
He maintained that democracy could only thrive when citizens were free to express their political choices and participate in the electoral process without fear.
“Democracy thrives when citizens can freely express their political choices and participate in the electoral process without fear. The process through which we attain public office is more important than the office itself,” he said.
The former governor also warned that undermining the rule of law could lead to disorder and anarchy, calling for collective efforts to protect human life and safeguard citizens’ democratic rights.
“A country’s greatest strength lies in the rule of law. When the rule of law is undermined, the door is opened to disorder and anarchy,” Obi stated.
He called for a Nigeria where human life would be valued above political ambition and citizens could participate in political activities peacefully and safely.
Nwolie’s killing comes amid growing preparations for the 2027 general elections, with Obi urging political parties, candidates and their supporters to ensure that electoral competition does not result in violence or the loss of lives.
