The Labour Party’s presidential candidate has accused political leaders of using “incendiary rhetoric” as the main perpetrators of the attack on his supporters during his presidential rally in Lagos.
Some supporters of the former governor of Anambra state were reportedly attacked on their way to their candidate’s presidential rally on Saturday, February 11.
Hours after the report, Obi took to Twitter to condemn the attack and blamed political leaders for fueling violence in the polity through unguarded utterances.
He described the attack, which may or may not have been premeditated, as disturbing because four members of the Obidient Family were reportedly injured during the attack.
The presidential candidate then condemned the ongoing attacks on opposition members, saying that his vision for a new Nigeria is based on peace, justice, and respect for the rule of law.
Obi then urged the Lagos state security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and that justice is served.
He said:
“We cannot continue to tolerate attacks on members of the political opposition, often fuelled by the incendiary rhetorics of political leaders. The new Nigeria that we seek is one founded on peace and justice and the respect for the rule of law.”
I received reports that 4 members of the Obidient Family were attacked and injured in Lagos ahead of today's rally. That incident, premeditated or not, is deeply troubling. Such act stands vehemently condemned.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) February 11, 2023