Peter Obi offers support as family lays NDC supporter to rest in Enugu

The body of Ifeanyi Nwolie, a supporter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) who was killed by suspected thugs in Enugu State, has been buried.

Mr Nwolie, 43, was laid to rest on Thursday in his hometown of Affa, Udi Local Government Area, amid tears from family and friends.

Earlier reports said that political thugs attacked NDC supporters at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Emene, Enugu, on 10 October. The thugs also shot at the party’s secretariat in Enugu during the party’s governorship campaign flag-off.

Sources say Mr Nwolie died days after the attack from a gunshot wound he suffered during the incident.

‘You will not be alone’

Peter Obi, the NDC’s presidential candidate for 2027, attended the burial. He was joined by Chinyeaka Ohaa, the NDC governorship candidate in Enugu State, and other party candidates and supporters.

At the burial, Mr Obi urged the family to bear the loss, saying that God understands why such things happen. He called Mr Nwolie’s death “a sad and irreplaceable loss.” Mr Obi promised the family they would not be left alone in their grief.

“We have come here to you, Mama, and we’re all your children now,” he told the deceased's mother in Igbo.

“It is true that the Ifeanyi whom you used to see daily is no longer alive.”

He added, “And the family, you will not be alone. We’re now members of this family.” Mr Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, assured that he and the NDC members would remain close to the family and the community.

‘Don’t engage in violent politics’

Mr Obi also advised NDC members and candidates to stay away from violence during politics. He said the aim of politics should be the betterment of society, not harming others.

“The only thing we’re seeking in government is the development of the nation.

“We don’t approve of killing someone because we are doing politics. We don’t want it to happen again. This is for the NDC and other parties,” he said in Igbo.

“If you’re campaigning, tell the people your plans. I don’t do violent politics.”

NDC governorship candidate speaks

The NDC governorship candidate in Enugu State, Mr Ohaa, also spoke about Mr Nwolie’s death. He said the party is still grieving and prayed for the deceased’s peaceful rest while comforting the family.

“We’re here to mourn. I am only thanking everyone who came here today to join hands to perform the normal burial ceremony of our brother,” he said in both Igbo and English.

Background

On 10 October, suspected political thugs attacked NDC supporters in Enugu State. The attack started at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Emene, where many supporters had gathered to welcome Mr Ohaa, who was arriving for the party's campaign.

Reports say many supporters were beaten with planks or shot at while others were harassed. Some vehicles belonging to NDC supporters were also damaged.

The violence continued at the NDC secretariat in GRA, Enugu. The day after the attack, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, said findings showed that the NDC tried to gather at the airport without approval.

Professor Onyia denied that the state government was behind the attack. But in a statement on 12 October, the NDC Secretary in Enugu State, Emmanuel Nebo, said the government’s claim was false.

“Our supporters only gathered at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport to welcome Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaeto upon his arrival.

“The main Campaign Flag-Off event was scheduled and held at his campaign office in GRA, Enugu, not inside the airport,” he said.

Nebo stated that although the planned airport event was “simple,” the party had already notified all relevant security agencies. The police in Enugu State later ordered an investigation into the incident.