The attack on Peter Obi’s campaign convoy in Calabar has triggered fresh concerns over the growing use of young people in political violence, with the Obi Media Office accusing desperate politicians of exploiting economic hardship to recruit youths for acts of intimidation.
The office, in a statement issued on Thursday, condemned Wednesday’s incident, warning that turning economically vulnerable youths into instruments of political violence poses a threat to democratic participation and peaceful political engagement.
It alleged that some politicians exploit the difficult economic conditions in the country by offering money to young people to disrupt political activities, while those financing and coordinating such acts remain insulated from the consequences.
The statement, signed by Idris Zekeri Jnr., expressed concern that the youths recruited for such operations are often left to face the legal and personal consequences, putting their freedom, future and lives at risk.
It urged young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be manipulated into serving the interests of politicians, stressing that their energy and potential should be channelled towards education, productive ventures and nation-building.
Beyond condemning the attack, the Obi Media Office challenged security agencies to look beyond the immediate perpetrators and investigate the alleged sponsors and organisers.
It called for a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that everyone found responsible is brought to justice.
The office also reaffirmed Obi’s commitment to peaceful and issue-based political campaigns, urging political actors and their supporters to respect opposing views and uphold democratic values.
It maintained that political competition should be driven by ideas, policies and public engagement rather than intimidation and violence.
“No political aspiration justifies the loss of a Nigerian life,” the statement declared, warning that the safety and lives of citizens must remain above partisan interests.