A 43-year-old member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State, Ifeanyi Christopher Nwolie, who was shot by suspected political thugs during an attack on the party’s campaign office in GRA, Enugu, has been buried as the party vowed to pursue justice for his death and other victims of political violence in the state.
Nwolie, a native of Affa in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, was shot during the attack on October 10, 2026, and died two days later, on October 12, at the age of 43.
The burial, held on Thursday, was attended by the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the party’s governorship candidate in Enugu State, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa. They were accompanied by party chieftains, candidates from across the Southeast and a large number of supporters.
According to a press statement signed by Hon. Sampson Ukwu, media aide to Ohaa, Obi urged mourners to live with the understanding that death is inevitable, regardless of an individual’s political position, financial status or social standing.
Obi expressed sympathy with the bereaved family and prayed for God to comfort them in their time of grief. He particularly acknowledged the pain of the deceased’s aged mother and pledged to take full responsibility for her care and needs.
He also stressed that politics should never be treated as a do-or-die affair, warning against an approach to political competition that allows disagreements and rivalries to result in violence and loss of lives.
Addressing the mourners, Ohaa welcomed the party leaders, candidates, supporters and other dignitaries who attended the burial. He acknowledged the grief within the NDC family but maintained that Nwolie’s death would not be in vain.
The statement further disclosed that the NDC chairman in Udi Local Government Area had confirmed that Ohaa personally paid the hospital bills incurred during Nwolie’s treatment, which amounted to more than ₦5 million. He also reportedly covered the burial expenses.
Nwolie’s death followed the violent attack on the NDC campaign office in the GRA area of Enugu on October 10, during which he sustained gunshot injuries. He died two days later, leaving his family and party members mourning his loss.
The incident has raised concerns over political violence in the state, particularly the safety of party members and supporters as political activities continue. However, the available statement did not disclose whether any arrests had been made in connection with the attack.
The NDC reaffirmed its determination to demand justice for Nwolie and all other victims of political violence in Enugu State, insisting that his death would not deter the party from pursuing accountability.
The party’s position underscored its call for those responsible for political violence to be held accountable, while expressing its commitment to ensuring that victims and their families are not forgotten.
The statement concluded with a tribute to the deceased, saying, “May the soul of Ifeanyi Christopher Nwolie rest in perfect peace.”