Ebonyi South NDC Senatorial Candidate Condemns Attack on House of Assembly Candidate
Ben Onyeka
The Ebonyi South Senatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Linus Abaa-Okorie has condemned the armed attack on the convoy of NDC candidate for Ezza South Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Rollins Offia Nwali, while returning a campaign visit to Amaezekwe.
In a statement issued in Abakaliki, the Senatorial candidate said that he was also saddened by reports that some of the alleged attackers lost their lives during the incident.
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According to Abaa Okorie: “I received with shock the account of the NDC candidate for Ezza South Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rollins Offia Nwali, of an armed attack on his convoy while returning a campaign visit to Amaezekwe. By his account, gunmen opened fire on his vehicles and burnt his Toyota Hilux”.
“I unequivocally condemn the attack. Violence, intimidation and the destruction of property should have no place in our politics. All candidates, supporters and citizens deserve to participate in the democratic process without fear, regardless of the political parties they affiliate with”.
“I am relieved that Mr. Nwali and those travelling with him were reported safe, and commend the security personnel attached to him for their swift response and professionalism in protecting them”.
However, he urged the security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and act proactively on warning signs across the state, so that threats can be aborted before lives are endangered.
The Former Federal Lawmaker passionately appealed to the youths to reject every attempt to recruit them for political violence, stressing that no political ambition is worth blood of innocent citizens.
“The security agencies must carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into this attack. Everyone indicted, including anyone who may have organised, financed or sponsored it, should be promptly identified and made to face appropriate justice. Accountability must follow the facts of the case, without political interference”.
“I also call on the Ebonyi State Government to immediately institute an unbiased inquiry into the incident, working with the relevant security agencies. The findings of such and inquiry, and the actions taken, must be made public. Such prompt response and openness will reassure citizens and prevent wild speculations from deepening tension”.
“I have also read the public announcement by the Executive Chairman of Ezza South Local Government Area, Hon. Chinedu Mkpuma, requiring prior approval from his office for all political gatherings within the council area. I agree that it is the responsibility of public officials to protect lives and maintain peace”.
“However, a blanket requirement that political gatherings must receive the prior approval of the Council Chairman is inconsistent with the freedoms enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and the safeguards in the Electoral Act 2026. Section 95 of the Act provides for security at political gatherings and also protects parties and candidates from being prevented from holding meetings, rallies and processions for their constitutional political purposes”.
He further urged the Chairman to withdraw the directive forthwith and work with the police and all political stakeholders on fair, lawful arrangements for public safety, adding that such coordination should be to protect peaceful participation, rather than making it dependent on political approval.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper October 24th, 2026
