Our Reporter, Abuja
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has condemned what it described as “assassination rhetoric” directed at former presidential candidate Peter Obi, calling on security agencies to urgently investigate the source and credibility of the threat.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Executive Director of the organisation, Okechukwu Nwanguma, decried a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, by a user identified as “Engineer Tom Steve” (@Stevetom788), which allegedly endorsed and foreshadowed violent attacks against Obi.
The post reportedly referenced Obi’s recent visit to Edo State, stating: “Thank his stars he survived this one… I learnt he’s going to my Rivers State… Na my men go handle that one and dem no dey miss target… Speak no peace to a bastard and wish him no long life, for he’s destined to die one.”
RULAAC said the comment followed a reported shooting incident in Benin City, Edo State, during which Obi and members of the Obidient Movement were allegedly attacked by armed thugs.
The group further noted that the incident was described as a “survived assassination attempt,” with gunshots fired and vehicles damaged.
According to RULAAC, the X post’s reference to Obi having “survived this one,” alongside what it termed an explicit forward-looking threat regarding a possible visit to Rivers State, raised grave concerns about endorsement, intent, or even coordination of political violence.
Political Violence Must Not Be Normalised
The group stressed that threats to life do not constitute protected political speech and that incitement to violence remains a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
“Online assassination rhetoric can embolden real-world attackers,” the statement read, warning that Nigeria’s democracy cannot function in an atmosphere where political actors are threatened with death for exercising their constitutional rights to movement, association, and political participation.
Calls for Immediate Investigation
RULAAC urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately investigate the authenticity and ownership of the X account, examine any links between the account holder and the alleged Edo attack, and assess the credibility of the threat concerning Rivers State.
The group also called on political leaders across party lines to unequivocally condemn assassination rhetoric and avoid inflammatory language capable of inciting supporters.
Describing democracy as “not war,” RULAAC warned against what it called a growing culture of dehumanisation in political discourse, arguing that portraying opponents as people “destined to die” goes beyond insult and amounts to an invitation to violence.
“Failure to act swiftly will signal tolerance for political terror,” the organisation stated, reaffirming its commitment to the protection of life, democratic participation, and the rule of law.
