Former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has condemned the reported obstruction of the movement of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), H.E. Peter Obi, by a group of youths in Makurdi, Benue State.
Tambuwal described the incident as unacceptable, undemocratic and inconsistent with the kind of politics that should be practised in Nigeria.
He stressed that Peter Obi, as a Nigerian citizen, former Governor and presidential candidate of a duly recognised political party, has the constitutional right to move freely throughout the country and undertake lawful activities without intimidation, harassment or obstruction.
According to Tambuwal, with political campaigns underway, every candidate must be allowed to travel freely across Nigeria, meet with citizens, canvass for support and conduct legitimate political activities without fear.
He warned against a situation where political actors or their supporters attempt to determine who may enter a state, community or any part of the country, stressing that no individual, group or political interest has the authority to deny another Nigerian access to any part of the 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,” Tambuwal said.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police and relevant security and law-enforcement authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the 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,” he stated.
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