Rex Ogboru Warns Against Intimidation As Abraka Campaign Begins
Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the newly restored Abraka State Constituency, Hon. Rex Enajite Ogboru, has challenged his political opponents to prepare to defend their records and those of their respective parties and candidates rather than resort to threats, intimidation or harassment during the 2027 election campaign.
Ogboru issued the challenge as political campaigns officially commenced, declaring that his campaign would focus on the issues affecting the people of Abraka and present what he described as an alternative vision for the constituency.
The NDC candidate said the people of Abraka had endured what he described as “unacceptable levels of underdevelopment” for more than 26 years, citing abandoned projects, insecurity, poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare and limited opportunities for young people among the challenges confronting the constituency.
He, however, warned political opponents against attempting to intimidate supporters or voters as the campaign gathers momentum, insisting that political contest should be based on records, facts, policies and ideas rather than threats or violence.
“I advise our opponents to prepare to defend their records, their party, and their candidates, not to threaten or intimidate our people. We will not accept intimidation, harassment, or violence from anybody,” Ogboru said.
He added: “Nobody has a monopoly on violence, but we do not seek violence. Our campaign will be based on issues, facts, truth, peace, and the democratic process.”
Ogboru challenged those seeking the support of Abraka voters to explain their achievements and defend their records if they believe they have performed creditably in the past.
“If they believe they have performed well and represented our people effectively, then let them respond to the issues being raised by the people. The best defence is a good record,” he stated.
The NDC candidate said his campaign would take the concerns of residents directly to the people, promising to ask questions, demand accountability and articulate practical alternatives for the development of Abraka.
He also appealed to his supporters and other political actors to maintain peace and civility throughout the campaign, stressing that political disagreements should not degenerate into violence.
According to him, Abraka people are peace-loving but should not be mistaken for being afraid to participate actively in the democratic process.
“Abraka people are peace loving people, but we are not cowards. We will exercise our constitutional right to vote and peacefully protect our votes through the lawful electoral process, including the collation of results as provided by the Constitution and electoral laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Ogboru consequently called on all candidates to allow the electorate to hear competing ideas, compare records and programmes, and make their choice freely at the polls.
“To all my opponents, I wish you well as we begin this journey. Let the campaigns begin. Let the people hear from all of us, compare our records and programmes, and make their choice freely. We meet at the polls,” he said.
The NDC candidate is campaigning under the banner of “Operation Rexcue Abraka 2027”, with a promise of what he describes as qualitative representation to the people.
He ended his message with prayers for Abraka, Delta State and Nigeria, declaring: “NDC Service!”
