2027: Enugu ADC Guber Candidate, Ocho, Condemns Attack on Atiku’s Convoy in Kebbi, Reassures Party Members
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Enugu State, Chief Obodoeze Chukwuma Ocho, has condemned the reported attack on the presidential campaign convoy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in Kebbi State, describing the incident as a dangerous assault on democratic principles and the freedom of political participation.
Ocho also called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, warning that political violence and intimidation pose serious threats to Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a press statement issued on November 5, 2026, and signed by his Spokesperson, Oliver Ossai, the ADC governorship candidate expressed concern over reports that suspected political thugs blocked Atiku’s campaign convoy, pelted vehicles with stones and vandalised cameras, tripods and other equipment belonging to members of the campaign’s media team.
He particularly condemned the alleged targeting of journalists and media equipment, suggesting that the action was intended to suppress the documentation and dissemination of events surrounding the campaign.
According to him, “The attackers did not come to steal. They went for the cameras and the video crew, apparently to stop Nigerians from seeing what happened in Kebbi. This is not acceptable in a democracy.”
Ocho characterised the incident as an act of cowardice, arguing that resorting to violence against political opponents was indicative of fear of electoral defeat rather than confidence in democratic competition.
He further expressed concern over reports that teargas was fired into the building where Atiku Abubakar and members of his entourage were lodged, urging security agencies to exercise restraint, professionalism and impartiality in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The ADC governorship candidate stressed that political differences should never become justification for intimidation, violence or the violation of the fundamental rights of citizens to freely associate and participate in democratic activities.
Addressing the recent Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu concerning the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the ADC, Ocho reassured party members and supporters in Enugu State that there was no cause for alarm.
He anchored his position on an earlier judgment delivered on July 2, 2026, by Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025, which, according to him, affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the party leadership.
Ocho argued that the established principle of law does not permit a court of coordinate jurisdiction to sit on appeal over, review, vary or nullify the subsisting judgment of another court of equal jurisdiction.
He maintained that where conflicting decisions arise from courts of coordinate jurisdiction, the appropriate judicial mechanism for resolving such disputes is the appellate court.
Consequently, he urged ADC members and supporters across Enugu State to remain calm, united, peaceful and law-abiding, expressing confidence that the party would pursue all available legal avenues to obtain clarification and redress.
He expressed optimism that the prevailing challenges would ultimately strengthen the party, insisting that neither acts of political intimidation nor judicial pronouncements could extinguish a political movement committed to democratic transformation.
Ocho specifically appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant security agencies to investigate the Kebbi incident, identify and prosecute those responsible, and guarantee the safety of political candidates, journalists, campaign officials and supporters, irrespective of their political affiliations.
He equally urged political stakeholders and contestants to embrace tolerance, peaceful engagement and issue-based campaigns as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reaffirming the ADC’s commitment to democratic values, peaceful political participation and the rule of law, the Enugu governorship hopeful expressed solidarity with Atiku Abubakar, Senator David Mark and all party members affected by the developments in Kebbi State and other parts of the country.
He maintained that the ADC would remain resolute in its pursuit of democratic ideals, declaring that the party’s unity, strength and determination remained intact despite the challenges confronting it.
“We remain strong. We remain united. We remain unwavering,” Ocho declared.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
