I condemn in the strongest possible terms the treatment meted out to the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), H.E. Peter Obi, in Makurdi, Benue State, today.
The reported obstruction of his movement by a group of youths is unacceptable, undemocratic and completely inconsistent with the kind of politics we should be practising in Nigeria.
Mr Peter Obi is a Nigerian citizen, a former Governor and the presidential candidate of a duly recognised political party. Like every Nigerian, he has the constitutional right to move freely throughout the country and undertake lawful activities without intimidation, harassment or obstruction.
More importantly, with political campaigns now underway, every candidate must be allowed to travel freely across Nigeria, meet with citizens, canvass for support and conduct legitimate political activities without fear.
Our democracy cannot descend into a situation where political actors or their supporters determine who may enter a state, community or any part of the country. No individual, group or political interest has the authority to deny another Nigerian access to any part of our country.
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.
I therefore call on the Inspector-General of Police and all relevant security and law-enforcement authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident and ensure that those responsible are identified and held accountable in accordance with the law.
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. — AWT
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