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.
In a statement issued by his media office on Tuesday, the former governor said Obi, as a Nigerian citizen, former governor and presidential candidate of a recognised political party, had the constitutional right to move freely across the country and engage in lawful political activities.
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He said political campaigns should allow all candidates to travel freely, interact with voters and canvass for support without intimidation, harassment or obstruction.
“Every candidate must be allowed to travel freely across Nigeria, meet with citizens, canvass for support and conduct legitimate political activities without fear,” Tambuwal said.
He also cautioned political parties and their supporters against attempting to prevent candidates from accessing particular states or communities, stressing that no individual or group had the authority to restrict the movement of another Nigerian.
Tambuwal said politicians should compete through their ideas, policies and programmes rather than intimidation or violence.
“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.
The former governor called on the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant security agencies to investigate the incident and identify those responsible.
“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,” Tambuwal stated.
He reaffirmed that all Nigerians must be allowed to participate freely in the country’s democratic process, regardless of their political affiliations.
“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 said.