Tambuwal condemns the reported obstruction of Peter Obi in Makurdi, urging security agencies to investigate and protect political freedom ahead of elections.
Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has condemned the reported attempt by some youths to prevent the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, from moving freely in Makurdi, Benue State.
Tambuwal described the reported incident as a worrying development capable of undermining the principles of democracy, particularly the right of political actors to travel, engage with citizens and seek electoral support without intimidation.
The former governor’s reaction came after reports emerged that Obi’s movement was allegedly obstructed by some youths in Makurdi.
The development has generated concerns over the conduct of political activities and the need to protect the rights of candidates ahead of future elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his media office, Tambuwal argued that political disagreements should not be allowed to create an atmosphere where individuals are prevented from exercising their constitutional rights.
He maintained that Obi, irrespective of his political affiliation, remains a Nigerian citizen entitled to the same fundamental freedoms enjoyed by other citizens.
According to him, Obi’s previous experience as a governor and his position as a presidential candidate of a recognised political party make it even more important that his participation in the political process is not frustrated through intimidation or physical obstruction.
Tambuwal said Nigeria’s democratic system would only function effectively when political parties and their supporters accept the presence of opposing candidates and allow voters to hear from all sides before making their decisions.
He therefore urged political actors to see campaigns as an opportunity to present competing visions for the country rather than as a period for confronting or restricting opponents.
“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.
The former governor further cautioned against the practice of attempting to prevent political candidates from entering particular states, local government areas or communities because of their party affiliation or political views.
He stressed that neither individuals nor political groups have the authority to determine where another Nigerian citizen can lawfully travel within the country.
For Tambuwal, the strength of Nigeria’s democracy should be measured by the ability of political opponents to compete peacefully, even when their supporters hold sharply different opinions.
He urged politicians to concentrate on their programmes, policies and ideas and allow the electorate to determine which candidate deserves their support.
Rather than resorting to confrontation, he said, political parties should use campaigns to explain their plans to Nigerians and convince voters through constructive engagement.
“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.
Tambuwal also expressed concern that failure to address incidents of political intimidation could create a dangerous precedent.
He noted that an incident involving one candidate today could potentially affect another candidate in the future, regardless of the party to which that person belongs.
He consequently called on the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported obstruction in Makurdi.
The former governor wants those responsible for any unlawful action identified and dealt with appropriately, stressing that political differences should never be used as justification for actions capable of threatening public order or democratic participation.
“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 argued that the responsibility for protecting Nigeria’s democratic environment does not rest solely with political parties or candidates.
According to him, security agencies, political leaders, supporters and citizens all have roles to play in ensuring that political activities are conducted peacefully.
Tambuwal’s position also underscores the importance of guaranteeing freedom of movement during election campaigns.
Candidates seeking votes typically need to travel across different parts of the country, meet community leaders, address supporters and interact directly with voters.
He said such activities should be protected rather than disrupted, provided they are conducted within the law.
The former governor further appealed to Nigerians to respect political differences and resist actions that could deepen tension among supporters of different parties.
He maintained that elections should provide an avenue for citizens to freely express their preferences rather than become a source of fear or confrontation.
According to him, Nigerians should be able to listen to competing political messages, assess the proposals put forward by candidates and eventually make their choices at the polling booth.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the principle that every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, should be able to participate in the democratic process without intimidation.
“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.
The former Sokoto governor’s comments come at a time when political activities and preparations for future elections are increasingly attracting public attention.
His call for restraint and respect for political freedoms adds to wider concerns about maintaining peaceful political engagement and ensuring that candidates are able to campaign in different parts of the country.
He urged political stakeholders to prioritise tolerance, peaceful competition and respect for the rule of law, stressing that the ultimate decision in an election should belong to the electorate.
For Tambuwal, allowing Nigerians to make informed choices without pressure or intimidation remains essential to sustaining public confidence in the democratic process.
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