The vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, have condemned an alleged attack on the convoy of the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benue State.
Kwankwaso described the incident as disturbing, alleging that unruly elements were mobilised to block Obi’s convoy as he travelled to Makurdi, the state capital.
In a statement, Kwankwaso said the alleged attack and blockade constituted a threat to Nigeria’s democratic values and the constitutional rights of citizens.
“I am deeply disturbed by the attack on the convoy of our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as he travelled to Benue State,” he said.
“The deliberate mobilisation of unruly elements to block and attack his convoy and prevent him from entering Makurdi marks another dark day for our democracy.”
Kwankwaso said the authorities should uphold the constitutional right to freedom of movement, stressing that the right applied to Obi as a former governor and opposition political figure.
“Authorities must remember that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of movement. This right applies even more strongly to Mr Obi, a former governor and leading opposition figure,” he said.
The NDC vice presidential candidate called on the Benue State Government to investigate the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible was prosecuted.
“The Benue State Government must, as a matter of urgency, ensure that those responsible are swiftly identified and prosecuted. It must also guarantee the safety and free movement of our candidate and his entourage,” he said.
Kwankwaso also urged President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors, particularly those elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), against actions capable of undermining democratic freedoms.
“I further urge the President to caution state governors, particularly those in his party, against any actions that could undermine the sanctity of our democracy,” he said.
He further called on the international community, diplomatic missions and election observation groups to take note of the incident.
“I also call on the international community, including diplomatic missions and election observation groups, to take note of this incident and to urge Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect opposition leaders, and safeguard democratic freedoms,” Kwankwaso added.
Sowore, who also reacted to the incident, alleged that the blockade and attack appeared to have involved agents of the state government.
The AAC presidential candidate said he had watched videos purportedly showing the incident involving Obi as he attempted to enter Makurdi for what he described as legitimate political activities.
“I have watched videos showing what appears to be a state-sponsored blockade and attack on NDC presidential candidate @PeterObi as he attempted to enter the state capital to carry out legitimate campaign activities,” Sowore said.
He condemned what he described as political brigandage, alleging that the incident involved agents of the Benue State Government and the Tinubu administration.
“I strongly condemn these acts of political brigandage by agents of the state government and the Tinubu regime. This is totally unacceptable,” he said.
Sowore maintained that political candidates should be allowed to campaign freely across the country without intimidation or violence.
“No candidate should be prevented through violence, intimidation or state-sponsored thuggery from campaigning freely anywhere in Nigeria,” he said.
He warned that allowing such incidents to continue could undermine the democratic rights of Nigerians.
“Those behind these cowardly attacks are toying with fire and threatening the democratic rights of all Nigerians. They must desist immediately before it is too late,” Sowore added.