Members of the Obidient Movement have been attacked by suspected thugs and hoodlums while on their way to the rally of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, which took place at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Onikan, in Lagos.
Report of attack of the Obidients was contained in a WhatsApp message sent out by the spokesperson for the Obi-Datti Campaign Council, Tanko Yunusa, on Saturday.
He said: “The Obidient Movement is under attack in Lagos. They are stopping our people from coming to the TBS rally.
“Nothing can stop a movement whose time has come . Security operatives, take note. We keep moving ‘Obidiently and Yusfully.’”
Also, an activist and Obi supporter, Rinu Oduala, said: “‘Obidients are bullies’. But one party is currently trying to prevent LP rally in Lagos by sponsoring attacks with thugs armed with machetes and guns. The wickedness of our ‘intellectuals and celebrities’ isn’t talked about enough.”
Another Twitter user, @anthonyabakporo, said it was sad to see that some thugs were attacking Obidients.
“They just did at Jakande but we were able to get them to TBS, They are receiving treatment. Please signal us if you experience any difficulties. Don’t let notting (sic) stop you! Be here!,” he added.
Videos and pictures shared on social media showed some individuals whose clothes were soaked in blood, while others were seen with bruises, as well as vandalised buses and cars deployed to transport the Obi-Datti supporters to the rally to be held by the party.
Young men numbering about 12 were seen covered in blood while they received treatment from a paramedical team on the ground.
Even a Peter Obi handle tweeted about the incident.
We cannot continue to tolerate attacks on members of the political opposition, often fuelled by the incendiary rhetorics of political leaders. The new Nigeria that we seek is one founded on peace and justice, and the respect for the rule of law.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) February 11, 2023
I call on the Lagos State security agencies to fish out those responsible for the attacks. -PO
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) February 11, 2023