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Allegations Against Regional Political Leaders
Catholic priest and author Rev. Fr. John Okwoeze Odey has accused some Igbo political leaders of undermining the presidential ambition of Peter Obi. In a written intervention, Odey alleged that certain political figures within the region were actively discouraging support for Obi by claiming it was not yet the Igbo's turn to produce Nigeria’s president.
Odey specifically criticized the positions held by Minister of Works David Umahi, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah. He argued that the political future of the region should not be determined by a few influential individuals.
"Nigeria belongs to all its citizens. No ethnic group should be compelled to surrender its democratic choices to a political arrangement determined by a few powerful individuals," Odey stated.
The priest’s comments were part of an article titled "The Traitors Among Igbo Political Leaders Versus Peter Obi’s Matchless Popularity." He warned that political divisions and electoral violence could further weaken the South-East’s political interests.
Reports of Violence Against NDC Supporters
Odey’s intervention followed reports of attacks on supporters of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State. He cited specific incidents involving alleged assaults on party members and their properties.
According to Odey, supporters were allegedly attacked on October 10, 2026, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport. The priest reported that supporters were gathering at the venue to welcome Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa when the incident occurred.
On the same date, Odey reported an attack on the NDC state secretariat in the GRA area of Enugu. He stated that one person was reportedly killed and five vehicles were damaged during the assault.
The priest also recalled a previous incident on September 12, 2026, at an NDC ward meeting held at the Ndiuno-Obuofia Community in Nkanu West local government area. He noted that some participants were reportedly injured during that event.
Odey called for impartial investigations into these incidents. "Political disagreement must never become an excuse for violence against citizens exercising their democratic rights," he said.
While acknowledging that allegations linking political actors to the attacks required credible evidence, Odey stressed that those responsible should be brought to justice.
Historical Context and Democratic Principles
Odey drew upon his past experiences to highlight the importance of speaking against injustice. He recounted an incident after publishing his book "This Madness Called Election 2003," when three men identifying themselves as State Security Service (SSS) operatives visited him with the intent to take him to Abuja.
The priest alleged that these SSS operatives later returned and informed him they had read the book and found nothing warranting his arrest. However, he also alleged that copies of the publication were seized from booksellers and that the printing press was raided during that period.
Odey argued that Nigerians need courageous voices to speak against injustice and defend democratic principles. He cited his book’s assertion that "It is possible to rule a people by force. But it is impossible to have peace while you keep others in chains."
