Former Kano State governor and NDC vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has condemned the alleged attack on the convoy of Peter Obi in Benue State, describing the incident as another dark day for our democracy.
Obi, a former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate, was reportedly prevented from entering the state on Tuesday morning after suspected political thugs blocked his convoy along the Boko Road.
Reacting to the incident in a statement made available to The News Chronicle on Tuesday, Kwankwaso said he was “deeply disturbed” by the attack, accusing unnamed actors of deliberately mobilising unruly elements to obstruct Obi’s movement.
“I am deeply disturbed by the attack on the convoy of our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as he travelled to Benue State,” Kwankwaso said.
He added: “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 stressed that the right to freedom of movement is guaranteed by the Constitution and must be respected regardless of political affiliation.
“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.
The former governor also urged President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors, particularly those belonging to the ruling party, against actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic values.
Kwankwaso further called on the international community, diplomatic missions and election observation groups to take note of the incident and pressure Nigerian authorities to protect opposition figures and uphold democratic freedoms.
He said Nigeria’s democracy must not be allowed to slide into a situation where political opponents are prevented from moving freely or campaigning across the country.
