— NDC candidate pledges continued support to bereaved family
By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged continued support to the family of Ifeanyi Nwolie, his supporter who was shot dead during a political activity in Enugu State.
Obi gave the assurance on Thursday while attending Nwolie’s burial in his hometown of Afa, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, telling the deceased’s mother that she had gained another son in him.
According to reports from the event, Obi also pledged to continue the monthly financial support Nwolie had been providing for his mother and sent the family an amount covering 15 months, through December 2027.
Nwolie was among supporters who participated in an NDC political activity on October 10, 2026, which was marred by violence. He was shot dead during the incident.
In a post on his X handle, Obi said he arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, from the United Kingdom at 5:30 a.m. on Thursday before connecting to a 7 a.m. flight to Enugu to attend the burial.
He described Nwolie’s death as a painful reminder of the human cost of political violence in the country.
“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.
As the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, the former Anambra State governor called on candidates at the federal, state and local government levels to reject violence, ethnic division and religious bigotry.
He urged political parties and candidates to focus their campaigns on issues capable of improving the country, stressing that citizens must be able to 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.
Obi also emphasised the importance of the rule of law, warning that undermining it could lead to disorder and anarchy.
He called for collective efforts to build a country where human life is valued above political ambition and citizens can exercise their democratic rights in peace and safety.
“A new Nigeria is possible,” he said.
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