The Ebonyi State chapter of the Obidient Movement has called on Nigerians to remain vigilant as the 2027 general elections approach, following what it described as troubling public remarks attributed to the Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi.
In a statement issued on Monday, the movement expressed deep concern over comments allegedly made by the minister suggesting the use of force, intimidation, or coercion in future electoral processes.
The statement was jointly signed by Comrade Igiri Innocent (Ebonyi Central), Mr. Nnamdi Ogbonnaya Onu (Ebonyi South), and Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Nwaleke (Ebonyi North), all members of the Obidient Movement collegiate leadership in Ebonyi State.
According to the group, such remarks, if accurately reported, are inconsistent with democratic principles and pose a potential threat to free and fair elections.
The Obidient Movement cited reports in which Engr. Umahi was quoted as warning citizens who do not intend to vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “stay indoors,” while implying that “force” could be deployed “to do good.”
The group also referenced earlier statements attributed to the former governor claiming that there was “no opposition in Ebonyi State” and that political opposition could only exist on social media.
“These statements, if true, represent a dangerous departure from democratic norms, including freedom of choice, political plurality, and civic participation,” the statement read.
The group further noted that such rhetoric evokes memories of electoral violence and voter suppression witnessed during the 2023 presidential election in parts of the country.
The movement warned against what it described as a growing pattern of actions aimed at weakening opposition voices since the 2023 elections.
These, it said, included alleged internal disruptions within opposition parties, selective withdrawal of security protections from opposition-aligned figures, and the perceived weaponization of state institutions against dissenting voices.
While acknowledging the qualifications and experience of Umahi, the Obidient Movement cautioned against the repeated use of the “turn of the Igbos” narrative, arguing that it has often been deployed in ways that undermine genuine efforts toward achieving an Igbo presidency.
The group challenged the former governor to clarify when, in his view, it would be appropriate for the Igbos to lead Nigeria, warning that evasive positions on the issue have historically placed political actors on the wrong side of history.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful democratic engagement, civic education, and the protection of voters’ rights, the Ebonyi State Obidient Movement urged political leaders across party lines to embrace language and actions that strengthen democratic institutions rather than undermine them.
The group called on Nigerians and the international community to closely monitor developments ahead of the 2027 elections and to resist any attempt to manipulate the process through intimidation, coercion, or the misuse of institutions such as security agencies, INEC, or the judiciary.
