The NDC presidential candidate says no political ambition is worth a human life, urging Nigerian politicians to focus on issues affecting citizens rather than attacking opponents.

Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has returned to Nigeria from the United Kingdom to attend the burial of Christopher Nworie, a party supporter who died following a violent attack on NDC members in Enugu State.

Obi, who spoke at the ongoing burial ceremony, expressed grief over Nworie’s death and condemned the growing resort to violence during political activities.

According to the presidential candidate, he had initially planned to return to Nigeria on October 23 but changed his travel arrangements following the tragedy.

“One day, we will all end up six feet underground. His death is painful. I was supposed to return tomorrow, but because of this burial, I immediately changed my ticket and returned to Nigeria from the UK last night,” Obi said.

He called on political parties and their supporters to abandon violence and embrace issue-based campaigns ahead of future elections.

“We cannot continue like this. Someone died because of an election. Why not campaign based on issues? You cannot see me campaigning by insulting another party. I campaign based on issues that concern the people,” he added.

How Christopher Nworie Died

Nworie died from gunshot wounds sustained during an attack on an NDC gathering at the campaign office of the party’s Enugu State governorship candidate, Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, in the Government Reserved Area of Enugu on October 10, 2026.

The NDC confirmed his death on October 13, saying efforts to save his life had been unsuccessful.

Nworie was reportedly from Affa in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The attack occurred amid reports of violence involving NDC supporters at multiple locations in Enugu, including the party’s gathering at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, where supporters had assembled to welcome Ohaa.

The party alleged that its members were attacked by armed individuals and called for a thorough investigation into the incidents. It also demanded that anyone found responsible for the violence be arrested and prosecuted.

The reports sparked renewed concerns about the safety of political gatherings and the ability of opposition parties to campaign without intimidation.

NDC Demands Investigation Into Political Attacks

Following Nworie’s death, Ohaa condemned the incident and called for justice for the deceased and other party members who sustained injuries.

The governorship candidate also urged the Inspector-General of Police and relevant security agencies to conduct an independent and transparent investigation into the October 10 incident and an earlier attack on NDC members in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, on September 12.

According to the party, eight members sustained gunshot injuries during the earlier incident.

The Enugu State Government, however, disputed aspects of the NDC’s account of the October 10 incidents, describing the events as involving internal party disagreements and a dispute with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The government initially denied that anyone had died in the reported violence.

The NDC rejected the government’s account, insisting that its supporters were victims of attacks and demanding accountability.

Obi Calls for Issue-Based Politics

Obi’s remarks at the burial place renewed attention on political violence and the conduct of campaigns in Nigeria.

His call for issue-based campaigning comes as political parties and aspirants prepare for future electoral contests, with concerns over security, political intolerance and the protection of citizens’ democratic rights remaining important public issues.

Political campaigns are intended to allow candidates to present their policies, programmes and plans for addressing citizens’ concerns. Violence and intimidation, however, can undermine participation and place supporters and ordinary citizens at risk.

Obi’s message was that political disagreements should be settled through ideas and democratic engagement rather than attacks that could cost lives.

The death of Nworie has also intensified calls from the NDC and other political stakeholders for a credible investigation into the reported attacks in Enugu.

As the family and supporters mourn the deceased, the demand for accountability remains central to the controversy surrounding the incident.

The circumstances of the attacks, the identification of those responsible and the outcome of any police investigation will be important in establishing accountability and addressing concerns about political violence in the state.

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