Politics should be devoid of bitterness and devoid of actions that harm others physically, economically, or psychologically—especially when the end goal is service to the people.”
By Saidu Idris
365Daily – Labour Party (LP) caucus in the House of Representatives has strongly condemned the demolition of a property belonging to the family of the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, by suspected government agents in Lagos, describing the development as “deeply disturbing” and a threat to democratic values.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the caucus leader, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, in Awka, Anambra State, the lawmakers decried what they described as a growing trend of harassment and politically motivated actions targeting opposition figures, warning that such acts portend grave danger for Nigeria’s democracy.
The lawmakers expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the demolition, which they said followed a court order “obtained under unclear circumstances” and not addressed to any known party. “Neither the property owners nor any other party was said to be aware of the order, as it was not issued in anyone’s name,” the statement said.
They accused the authorities of misusing judicial processes and described the move as a “blatant misuse of the judiciary” that undermines democratic principles. “If a prominent figure can be treated with such lawlessness, ordinary citizens who are supposed to be protected by the law are even more vulnerable,” the caucus warned.
The LP lawmakers linked the demolition to a broader pattern of intimidation, citing earlier warnings by Obi of a coordinated attack on his person and business interests. They noted that the former Anambra governor had repeatedly raised the alarm about being targeted for daring to contest the last presidential election and for consistently spotlighting Nigeria’s worsening hardship and insecurity.
“Partisan politics shouldn’t breed anguish, pain, or sorrow to anyone,” Hon. Ogene said. “Politics should be devoid of bitterness and devoid of actions that harm others physically, economically, or psychologically—especially when the end goal is service to the people.”
The lawmakers described Obi as “a staunch democrat” who has always championed transparency, integrity, and national unity. “His and his family’s legitimate economic and social investments should be protected—just like those of every law-abiding citizen—and not ruined by undemocratic forces driven by partisan politics and bitterness,” Ogene added.
Responding to the incident, Mr. Peter Obi warned that the growing lawlessness in the country poses a significant risk to investor confidence and civil liberties.
“Any society where lawlessness overrides the rule of law is not destined to be a haven for investors,” Obi said. “Recent reports showing that Nigeria’s human rights indicators have worsened merely highlight severe shortfalls in government protection for civil liberties, personal security, and basic living standards.”
He added: “I know what I have been going through as a person in abuse of my human rights just because I contested a presidential election which I have legitimate rights to do. So I imagine what small business owners, regular citizens, and vulnerable communities face every day. If this level of lawlessness can happen to someone with a registered company and legitimate means, what hope does the ordinary Nigerian have?”
The caucus called on the Lagos State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal administration to ensure the safety of Obi and his business interests, warning that any further escalation could provoke national unrest.