Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned the reported attack on the convoy of opposition presidential candidate Peter Obi while travelling to Benue State, describing the incident as a “dark day” for Nigeria’s democracy.
Kwankwaso, in a statement, said he was deeply disturbed by the alleged mobilisation of unruly elements to block and attack Obi’s convoy and prevent him from entering Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
He said such an incident amounted to a serious threat to democratic freedoms, particularly the constitutional right to freedom of movement.
“The Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of movement. This right applies even more strongly to Mr Obi, a former governor and leading opposition figure,” Kwankwaso said.
He urged the Benue State Government to immediately identify and prosecute those responsible for the incident, while ensuring the safety and unhindered movement of Obi and members of his entourage.
Kwankwaso also called on President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors, particularly those belonging to the ruling party, against actions capable of undermining democratic principles and political freedoms.
He further appealed to the international community, including diplomatic missions and election observation organisations, to take note of the incident and urge Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law and protect opposition politicians.
According to him, safeguarding the freedom of political actors to move, campaign and engage citizens without intimidation is essential to maintaining public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Kwankwaso stressed that political differences should not be allowed to degenerate into violence, intimidation or restrictions on the constitutional rights of opposition figures.
