The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Michael Aondoakaa, has condemned the alleged blockade of the convoy of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi in Makurdi, describing the incident as an attack on democracy and political freedom.
Key Highlights
- PDP governorship candidate Michael Aondoakaa condemns the alleged blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy in Makurdi, describing it as an attack on democracy and political freedom.
- Aondoakaa says Nigerians have constitutional rights to freedom of movement, association and political participation regardless of political affiliation.
- He argued that no individual, group or government should prevent political actors from travelling or campaigning in any part of the country.
- The alleged incident was described as inconsistent with the 2027 political peace accord, which commits parties to issue-based campaigns and non-violence.
- Aondoakaa warned that intimidation or attacks against political opponents could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
Aondoakaa, a former attorney-general of the federation, said the incident is inconsistent with the principles of democratic participation and the recent peace accord signed by political parties and their candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Media Assistant, James Ian, the governorship candidate said every Nigerian is constitutionally entitled to the freedom of movement, association and political participation.
He maintained that political affiliation should not be used as a basis to prevent any citizen from travelling to or campaigning in any part of the country.
“No individual, group or government has the authority to deny any Nigerian access to any part of the country on account of political affiliation,” he said.
Aondoakaa also recalled President Bola Tinubu’s repeated calls for presidential candidates and other political leaders to be allowed to campaign freely across the country ahead of the 2027 elections.
He warned that attempts to obstruct, intimidate or attack political opponents could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
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“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,” he said.
The PDP candidate further said the incident violates the recently signed political peace accord, under which parties and candidates pledged to pursue issue-based campaigns, shun violence and allow political opponents to move freely and engage with voters.
He said democracy can only thrive where competing political interests were allowed to exchange ideas without intimidation or violence.
Aondoakaa expressed concern that the incident could portray Benue State negatively, insisting that the alleged actions of politically motivated individuals should not be interpreted as reflecting the character of the people of the state.
He described Benue people as hospitable and respectful of visitors, saying the alleged attack on Obi was inconsistent with the values of the state.
The governorship candidate also criticised the security situation in Benue, arguing that the alleged political incident is particularly disturbing at a time when residents were grappling with persistent attacks and insecurity.
He called on security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and prosecute anyone found responsible, irrespective of political status or connections.
Aondoakaa further urged security agencies to guarantee the safety of all political actors and citizens exercising their constitutional rights ahead of the 2027 elections.
He appealed to residents of Benue to remain peaceful and reject political thuggery, intimidation and violence, warning that such practices had no place in the state’s political future.
