NDC lays to rest member killed in Enugu, seeks justice

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) buried Ifeanyi Nwolie on Thursday. He was shot by suspected political thugs during an attack on the party’s campaign office in the GRA area of Enugu State. The party promised that his death would not be in vain.

Nwolie, from Affa in the Udi Local Government Area, was shot on October 10, 2026. He died two days later at the age of 43.

The burial had many attendees, including NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and Christian Ohaa, the party’s governorship candidate in Enugu State. Ohaa led a group of party leaders, candidates from the South-East, and many supporters.

In a statement from Ohaa’s media aide, Sampson Ukwu, the party said Obi urged everyone to understand that “we shall all die one day, regardless of political or financial status.” The statement added that Obi prayed for comfort for the deceased family, especially his elderly mother, and promised to take care of her needs.

“He stressed that politics should never be a do-or-die affair,” the statement noted.

Ohaa welcomed everyone and said the NDC family was heartbroken but insisted Nwolie’s death would not be in vain. The statement quoted Ohaa saying, “while the entire NDC family is in deep sorrow, the death of Ifeanyi Nwolie will not be in vain.”

Earlier, the NDC chairman of Udi LGA confirmed that Ohaa had paid over N5 million for Nwolie’s hospital bill and also covered the burial costs.

The party said it would keep pressing for justice for Nwolie and all victims of political violence in Enugu State. “The NDC remains resolute. We will continue to demand justice for Ifeanyi Christopher Nwolie and all victims of political violence in Enugu State,” the statement said.

“May the soul of Ifeanyi Nwolie rest in perfect peace,” it added.

The burial took place against a backdrop of political violence in Enugu State as the 2027 general elections approach. The NDC has accused suspected thugs of attacking its members.

PUNCH Metro reported that police arrested a traditional ruler, Igwe Obiora Igwesi; his brother, U.S.A. Igwesi, a former House of Representatives member; and eight others for an alleged armed attack on NDC members in the Obuoffia area of Nkanu West LGA.

These arrests followed a petition to the Inspector-General of Police from the NDC about the September 12, 2026, attack on the party’s ward meeting in Ihuani Awkunanaw, the home ward of Ohaa. The state police command has also started investigating the attack, where eight NDC members suffered gunshot wounds.

The NDC condemned the attack as a deliberate act of political intimidation. They demanded the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.