“YOU HAVE ANOTHER SON IN ME” — OBI TELLS SLAIN SUPPORTER’S MOTHER

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged continued support to the family of Ifeanyi Nwolie, his supporter who was shot dead during a political activity in Enugu State, telling the deceased’s mother that she had gained another son in him.

The pledge was made on Thursday while attending Nwolie’s burial in his hometown of Afa, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

THE BURIAL

Obi arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, from the United Kingdom at 5:30 a.m. on Thursday before connecting to a 7 a.m. flight to Enugu to attend the burial .

Nwolie was among supporters who participated in an NDC political activity on October 10, 2026, which was marred by violence. He was shot dead during the incident.

THE PLEDGE

Obi said he arrived at the burial to honour a supporter who had believed in his vision.

“My humble pledge to the mother is that God Almighty, whom it pleased to bring Ifeanyi home, has also given her another son in me to support her, as Ifeanyi used to,” Obi said .

He also pledged to continue the monthly financial support Nwolie had been providing for his mother and sent the family an amount covering 15 months, through December 2027.

THE CALL AGAINST VIOLENCE

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In a post on his X handle, Obi described Nwolie’s death as a painful reminder of the human cost of political violence in the country.

“Late Ifeanyi Nwolie was one of my supporters who participated in the recent NDC party political activity marred by violence on October 10, 2026. Tragically, he was shot. His death is a painful reminder of the devastating human cost of our nation’s current toxic political environment,” he said .

“As we approach the 2027 general elections, I appeal to all candidates contesting at the federal, state, and local government levels to reject violence, ethnic division, and religious bigotry. Our campaigns and activities must be based on issues that will make our country better” .

He added: “Democracy thrives when citizens can freely express their political choices and participate in the electoral process without fear. The process through which we attain public office is more important than the office itself”.

WHY IT MATTERS

The death of Ifeanyi Nwolie is a tragedy that underscores the dangers of Nigeria’s political environment.

A young man who believed in a candidate was killed while participating in a political activity. His mother lost a son. His family lost a provider.

Obi’s decision to attend the burial, to pledge monthly support, and to use the occasion to call for an end to political violence is a recognition that the cost of politics in Nigeria is often paid in blood.

Whether his call will be heeded by other candidates remains to be seen. But for the Nwolie family, the gesture is a measure of comfort in the midst of grief.

ValidViewNetwork extends its condolences to the Nwolie family.