Benue PDP gov candidate condemns blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has condemned the blockade of National Democratic Coalition presidential candidate Peter Obi, in Makurdi, the state capital.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Media Assistant, James Ian, Aondoakaa described the incident as a disgraceful assault on democracy and a direct affront to the constitutional rights of Nigerians.

Aondoakaa argued that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of movement, association and political participation.

“As such, no individual, group or government has the authority to deny any Nigerian access to any part of the country on account of political affiliation.”

The former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation stated that President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly emphasised that all presidential candidates and other political leaders must be free to travel across the country to canvass for support and engage with citizens ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The PDP governorship candidate said, “Any attempt to obstruct, intimidate or attack a political leader exercising that right runs contrary to the spirit of democratic competition and undermines the President’s call for a peaceful and inclusive political process.”

Aondoakaa said the incident also constituted a violation of the recently signed peace accord by political actors, under which parties and candidates committed themselves to conducting issue-based campaigns, refraining from violence and allowing opponents to move freely and interact with voters without harassment, intimidation or attacks.

He said democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, not on violence and political intolerance.

While expressing concern about the incident, the governorship candidate said the ugly development portrayed Benue State in a negative light before the nation and the international community.

He, however, clarified that the actions of a few politically motivated individuals should not be seen as representing the character, values and culture of the people of the state.

“Benue people are renowned for their hospitality, civility and respect for visitors. Our state has always welcomed people from different political, ethnic and religious backgrounds.

“The attack on Mr Peter Obi is therefore inconsistent with the true identity of our people and should be condemned by all lovers of democracy irrespective of political affiliation,” he said.

Aondoakaa lamented that at a time when Benue people are mourning the loss of hundreds of innocent citizens to incessant attacks and grappling with widespread insecurity, the state government appeared unable to prevent violence against its own people but was quick to unleash political actors against visitors and opponents.

He insisted that no responsible government should tolerate, encourage or be associated with acts of thuggery, intimidation and harassment against political opponents or visitors to the state.

He called on security agencies to immediately conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice, regardless of their status or political connections.

While urging security agencies to guarantee the safety of all political actors and Nigerians exercising their constitutional rights, Aondoakaa called on Benue people to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to democratic principles, stressing that violence, intimidation and political thuggery have no place in the state’s political future.