ABAKALIKI, EBONYI STATE — October 24, 2026
The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), Ebonyi State, has raised concerns over a reported attack on Barrister Rollins Nwali, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South State Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, calling for an urgent investigation into the incident and reports of fatalities.
According to a press release issued by COPDEM, Nwali and members of his campaign team were allegedly ambushed by armed assailants on Thursday, October 22, 2026, while conducting political consultations.
The organisation reported that a Toyota Hilux belonging to the NDC campaign team was set ablaze during the incident. It also said the intervention of Department of State Services (DSS) operatives reportedly prevented further harm to members of the team.
COPDEM further disclosed that it had received reports that some individuals involved in the confrontation lost their lives. However, the organisation stressed that the reported fatalities and the circumstances surrounding them must be independently verified by the appropriate authorities.
Describing the allegations as a serious concern for democratic participation and public safety, COPDEM warned that political violence, if established, could undermine the right of candidates and political parties to engage citizens freely and peacefully.
The organisation called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS and other relevant security agencies to launch an immediate, impartial and comprehensive investigation to establish what happened and identify those responsible.
It also urged investigators to examine any credible evidence of political sponsorship or coordination, insisting that anyone found culpable must face the law in accordance with due process.
COPDEM called for stronger security arrangements for candidates, campaign teams and political supporters across Ebonyi State, while urging political leaders to discourage inflammatory statements, threats and acts capable of escalating tensions.
“No political ambition is worth a human life. No elective office justifies the loss of innocent lives,” the organisation stated, reaffirming its commitment to peaceful political participation, the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights.
The organisation appealed to political stakeholders and residents to remain calm and cooperate with lawful investigations, stressing that the will of the people must be expressed through peaceful democratic processes rather than intimidation or violence.
The statement was signed by **Dr. Darlington Onwukaike Okey**, a chieftain of the Directorate of the Ebonyi State chapter of the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy COPDEM.
