Eniola Yekini
The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has called on the Nigeria Police to order full-scale investigation into the attack of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi in Benue State on Tuesday, and bring the culprits to book in the interest of the nation’s democracy.
APM in a statement by Anthony Ehilebo, Special Adviser (Media and Digital Communication) to its presidential candidate, said setting up roadblocks and engaging thugs to stop opposition candidates have no place in a constitutional democracy.
“Every Nigerian, presidential candidate or otherwise, has a constitutionally guaranteed right to enter, live, and move freely within any state in Nigeria to conduct legitimate activities without prior permission or notice,” the party stated.
It described the statement credited to the Benue State government, that Obi did not seek prior permission before his visit, as unacceptable and condemnable.
“Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every citizen of Nigeria the freedom to move throughout the country and reside in any part thereof.
“Similarly, Section 40 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freely assemble and associate,” the party said.
APM stated that the attack was a new low in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s desperation to stifle opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It noted that the attack came barely 24 hours after Obi joined other opposition leaders to show solidarity with its presidential candidate, Engr. Seyi Makinde, at the inauguration of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office on Monday.
According to the APM, the ruling APC was overburdened by the sad reality of marketing an unpopular President Bola Tinubu to Nigerians, as well as the recent political developments in the country, which it said, made them to resort to barbaric tactics, including intimidation, harassment, and the unlawful obstruction of the legitimate activities of opposition parties and leaders.
The party however, said it is committed to a peaceful electoral process, but said it shall not be deterred or cowed by the antics of those who seek to make peaceful participation impossible.