By Samuel Olusegun Precious
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has decried the rising spate of political violence in the country as his supporter, late Ifeanyi Nwolie, was buried in Enugu.
Nwolie, 43, from Afa, Udi Local Government Area, was shot during the violence that marred the NDC governorship campaign flag-off in Enugu on October 10, 2026, when suspected political thugs attacked party supporters at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party secretariat.
He died two days later and was laid to rest on Thursday, October 23, 2026, in his hometown.
Obi, who flew in from the United Kingdom, disclosed that he landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 5:30 a.m. and connected to a 7 a.m. flight to Enugu to pay his last respects.
In a statement on his verified X handle, Obi described the death as a painful reminder of the human cost of Nigeria’s toxic political environment. He condemned the do-or-die politics being played by some actors ahead of the 2027 general elections and called on all candidates at federal, state and local levels to reject violence, ethnic division and religious bigotry.
“Our campaigns and activities must be based on issues that will make our country better. Democracy thrives when citizens can freely express their political choices without fear. The process through which we attain public office is more important than the office itself,” he said.
At the burial, Obi told the bereaved mother that she had gained another son in him, pledging to continue the support her late son used to give her.”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,” he said.
Obi also provided financial support to the family covering 15 months, while NDC governorship candidate Christian Ohaa was said to have paid over N5 million hospital bill and burial expenses. He called on security agencies to ensure justice and reaffirmed that a New Nigeria where human life is valued above political ambition is possible.
