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Media professionals express concern over alleged attack on NDC supporters, warn against political intimidation; question security agencies’ preparedness

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has expressed concern over the growing tension in Nigeria’s political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the country could face heightened political confrontations if attacks, intimidation and violence against opposition supporters are not checked.

The concerns followed the circulation of a viral video purportedly showing a woman wielding a cutlass in the aftermath of an alleged attack on members of the Nigerian Democratic Convention (NDC) during a town hall meeting in Lagos.

The alleged attack, reportedly carried out by suspected political thugs believed to be supporters of a rival party, triggered an intense discussion among members of the professional media association on its WhatsApp platform, with several members expressing fears that political disagreements could degenerate into widespread violence as the 2027 elections approach.

Leading the conversation, DOPF Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli, expressed apprehension over the emerging political climate, warning that the opening months of 2027 could be particularly challenging for the country.

“We are in for tough rides come January and February 2027,” Enebeli wrote.

His observation attracted reactions from other members, who offered varying perspectives on the growing political tension, the conduct of political actors, the responsibility of security agencies and the need to protect democratic participation.

The Vice Chairman of the Forum, Chukwudi Abiandu, expressed concern that the unfolding developments could escalate into something more serious.

“Unfortunately, I hope it does not degenerate,” he stated.

Another member, Wilbert Ijeoma, suggested that supporters of Peter Obi, popularly known as Obidients, were increasingly adopting a confrontational disposition, which he likened to the political movement associated with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“Obidients now have some touch of Kwankwassiya madness,” Ijeoma remarked.

Celestine Ukah equally expressed concern that the country might be approaching a period of heightened political confrontation, observing that abnormal circumstances could provoke equally abnormal responses.

“Abnormal situation gets abnormal situation too oooo as it looms oooo,” he wrote, later adding that the situation was “Already generating ooooo.”

The DOPF Secretary, Shedrack Onitsha, also weighed in, suggesting that opposition supporters might no longer be willing to remain passive in the face of political intimidation.

“It takes madness to cure madness! NDC members are fully prepared for APC thugs, sadly, NDC now has more deadly thugs than APC,” Onitsha stated.

His assertion reflected his personal interpretation of the unfolding situation, although no independently verified evidence was presented in the discussion to establish the identities or political affiliations of those allegedly involved in the Lagos incident.

In a more extensive contribution, Austin Azuh criticised what he described as the failure of political leaders to speak decisively against attacks on opposition supporters, warning that silence could encourage further intimidation and violence.

“This period nor be for English ooo!” Azuh declared.

He argued that the failure of political leaders to condemn attacks on political opponents was contributing to an atmosphere in which intimidation, harassment and assaults appeared to be tolerated.

“The political leaders who ought to condemn these acts have, by their silence and actions, created an atmosphere where invasion, intimidation, harassment, assaults and even the killing of opposition supporters and members appear to be tolerated or endorsed,” he stated.

Azuh called for a stronger response from the Federal Government, insisting that those responsible for political attacks must be investigated and prosecuted to discourage further incidents.

He also expressed concern about the implications of the unfolding political atmosphere for younger Nigerians, warning that the country’s democratic future could be undermined if citizens became indifferent to threats against political freedom.

“This is not the democracy we fought for, nor the country we envisioned. I am deeply worried and emotional about the future of my generation, especially those who seem unconcerned about the dangers threatening the very democracy that should protect their future,” he said.

Recalling the oft-repeated position of former President Goodluck Jonathan that no election was worth the blood of any Nigerian, Azuh stressed that political ambition must never supersede human life.

“As President Goodluck Jonathan would always remind us, no election is worth the blood of any Nigerian. Political ambition must never be placed above human life, peace and the sanctity of our democracy,” he added.

POLICE UNDER SCRUTINY

The discussion also turned to the conduct of security agencies, particularly the police, in responding to political developments.

Abiandu criticised the Delta State Police Command over what he described as its handling of unfolding political scenarios, alleging that its conduct raised questions about its commitment to protecting citizens irrespective of political affiliation.

“Even the attitude of the Delta State Police Command in the unfolding scenarios leaves much to be desired. Their attitude exposes them as complicit. The current police leadership in Delta should hide its head in shame. A big let down,” he alleged.

The allegation represented Abiandu’s personal assessment of the command’s conduct and did not establish police involvement in any political attack. No response from the Delta State Police Command was contained in the discussion.

Amid the expressions of apprehension, Azuh posed a question that captured the anxiety of some contributors: “Who will help us?”

Responding, Abiandu turned to biblical teachings, expressing faith that divine intervention remained possible even in periods of political uncertainty.

Quoting Psalm 37:33, he recalled the assurance that God would not abandon the righteous to the power of the wicked or allow them to be unjustly condemned.

He also cited Job 8:20, which speaks of God’s commitment to people of integrity and His refusal to support evildoers.

Drawing a historical parallel with the military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha, Abiandu recalled the atmosphere of fear and political repression that characterised the period.

“There was a time in this country when one Sani Abacha held the nation by the jugular. But somehow, the God who rules in the affairs of man stepped in, and death defied all the security equipment in Aso Rock and took Abacha away,” he said.

He maintained that no political leader, irrespective of the extent of political influence or security arrangements at their disposal, was beyond divine authority.

“The lesson for me is that God has not yet created the man or woman that He cannot handle. He is our help,” Abiandu stated.

INEC CHAIRMAN’S LONDON ENCOUNTER ALSO SPARKS REACTIONS

The conversation assumed another dimension when the DOPF Treasurer, Joe Ogbodu, shared a separate video circulating online, purportedly showing the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, being confronted by Nigerians during a visit to Chatham House in London.

The footage, circulated with claims that the INEC chairman had been disgraced, allegedly showed aggrieved Nigerians demanding explanations over developments in their home country.

A voice accompanying the video claimed that Nigerian youths had confronted Amupitan and insisted that he address their concerns.

“The INEC chairman of Nigeria is in England. The angry youth of Nigeria stopped him that he should come out and tell them what is happening in Nigeria. He must come down to address them,” the voice claimed.

The recording also featured the declaration: “A new Nigeria is possible. This is just testing the microphone.”

The circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the claims accompanying the video were not independently established in the DOPF discussion.

Nevertheless, Ogbodu’s contribution brought electoral accountability and public confidence in INEC into the conversation, particularly as Nigeria approaches another general election.

The reactions by members of the Forum collectively reflected growing anxiety among media professionals over the potential consequences of political intolerance, intimidation and confrontations between supporters of rival political parties.

Although contributors expressed different opinions about the unfolding developments and the appropriate response by opposition supporters, a common concern emerging from the discussion was the need to prevent political disagreements from undermining citizens’ fundamental rights to peaceful participation in the democratic process.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the responsibility of political parties, government authorities, security agencies and electoral institutions to guarantee a peaceful political environment has come into sharper focus.

For the DOPF members, the unfolding developments raise important questions about the readiness of relevant institutions to protect political actors and ordinary citizens from intimidation, irrespective of their political affiliations.

Whether the apprehensions expressed by Enebeli about January and February 2027 will materialise remains to be seen. However, the discussion has brought into focus the urgent need for political leaders to discourage violence, security agencies to act impartially and electoral authorities to sustain public confidence in the electoral process.

The overriding concern, as reflected in the exchanges, is that Nigeria must not allow the struggle for political power in 2027 to become a threat to the lives, liberties and democratic rights of its citizens.