The Delta Democrats Forum, DDF, has condemned the reported attack on the convoy of former presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, in Calabar, Cross River State, describing the incident as an assault on democracy and a dangerous threat to political freedom.
The forum called on the Cross River State Governor to publicly condemn the incident and direct security agencies to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify those responsible and ensure their prosecution.
Convener of DDF, Rtn Ufuoma Steven Atare, who made the call in a statement, described the reported attack as reprehensible and unacceptable, warning that Nigeria must not descend into an atmosphere where political differences are settled through violence, intimidation and threats.
Atare said the incident constituted an assault on the fundamental rights of Nigerians, particularly freedom of movement and the right to participate in the democratic process without fear of harassment or physical harm.
He declared: “Enough is enough! This has gone too far!”
The forum stressed that political violence had no place in a democratic society, irrespective of the political affiliations of those involved, adding that the safety of political leaders, their supporters and ordinary citizens must be guaranteed.
DDF, therefore, demanded immediate security measures to protect Obi and other political leaders, supporters and citizens exercising their democratic rights.
It also called for a credible and transparent investigation into the incident, including the identification of those who allegedly carried out the attack and individuals who may have sponsored or facilitated it.
The forum further urged the authorities to end what it described as political intimidation and the weaponisation of public institutions against opposition voices.
It said the government must make a clear public commitment that such attacks would not be allowed to recur, warning that failure to hold perpetrators accountable could further undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
According to Atare, democracy thrives on the strength of ideas, tolerance and constructive engagement, not violence and the suppression of opposing political views.
“No Nigerian should be attacked for expressing political opinions, supporting a candidate, or seeking to lead,” the statement said.
Reaffirming the forum’s solidarity with Obi and other Nigerians committed to defending democratic rights, DDF declared that no amount of intimidation would deter citizens from exercising their constitutional freedoms.
“We will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced. Nigeria belongs to all of us!” the forum declared.
It added that the time for excuses was over and called for accountability, justice and concrete action to prevent a recurrence of the incident.
