Igbo leaders warns against suppression of opposition, says it destroys democracy

By Anayo Okoli

The Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT), an elite assembly of Southeastern Nigerian intellectuals, traditional rulers and stakeholders, has condemned what it calls the systematic suppression of the opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that no democracy develops without a vibrant opposition.

ILT cautioned that if the clampdown on the opposition is not urgently checked, it could seriously diminish the integrity of the 2027 general elections.

The group’s position came amid the recent alarm raised by the presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr. Peter Obi, over his safety and systematic frustration of his businesses, as well as the several judicial pronouncements against the key opposition parties aimed at destabilizing their preparations for the 2027 polls.

ILT also recalled that Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, had in the past warned Mr. Peter Obi, threatening that his security was not guaranteed in his state, and noted that actually when he visited Edo State early this year for political activities, gunshots were fired at him and others in his entourage.