Former Speaker of the House of Representatives has condemned the attack on the Presidential candidate of National Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi in Benue state, saying the act constiture an infringement on the candidate’s democratic rights.
According to him, Obi is a bobafide citizen ofthe country who has the right tomove toany party ofNigeria, so long whatever he’s doing is legal, particularly at this time when the campaign for the 2027 general election has kicked off.
He said the attack on Obi, a former governor of Anmabra state is unacceptable, condenable and must be investigated with the aim of bringing the perpetrators to justice, calling on the Inspector General of Police toarest the irate youths who blocked the NDC presidetial candidate.
The former Speaker made the remarkin a statement issuedby his media office on Tuesday, following reports that the NDC presidential hopeful was baclked from gaining Yelwata by some irate youths who blocked his convoy.
Former Sokoto Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has condemned the reported obstruction of the movement of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, by some youths in Makurdi, Benue.
Tambuwal described the development as “unacceptable and undemocratic,” warning that political differences should not be allowed to undermine citizens’ rights or democratic participation.
Tambuwal said the action of the youths hampers free movement,guaranteed by the Nigerians constitution,saying politicians should be allowed to travel during the campaign period,to any part ofthe country, without intimidation, obstruction or harrassment.
He explained that political difference shoulsnot be allowed to degerate into violence and brigandage and intimidation,adding that nobody has the power to restrict the movement of Nigerians whereever they chose togo.
According tohim, every candidate must be allowed to travel freely across Nigeria, meet with citizens, canvass for support and conduct legitimate political activities without fear.
“Political differences must never become an excuse for intimidation, violence or brigandage. We must compete on the strength of our ideas, programmes and policies and, ultimately, allow Nigerians to make their choices freely at the ballot box,” he said.
He added, “This kind of rascality must not be tolerated, irrespective of who is involved or which political party is affected. Today, it may be Peter Obi; tomorrow, it could be another candidate.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and every Nigerian must be free to move and participate in our democratic process without fear or intimidation.”
Meanwhile,the Benue state government has responded to the incident, saying Obi was only trying to seek political capital, that he was not attacked,contrary to his claim.
The Governor Hyacinth Alia-led administration describe Obi’s claim as a ”manufactured lie” in a statement issued yesterday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula.
’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, described the allegation as a “manufactured lie” in a statement issued on Tuesday in Makur
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