Human rights lawyer and political activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the reported attack on the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and his supporters in Benue State.
Adeyanju described the incident as unacceptable and contrary to the principles of democracy, stressing that every Nigerian has a constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of movement.
In a statement, Adeyanju said political disagreements should never be used to justify intimidation or attacks, particularly against a presidential candidate.
He said, “The reported attack on Peter Obi and his supporters in Benue State today is completely repugnant to everything democracy stands for.
Freedom of movement is a constitutionally guaranteed right of every Nigerian citizen, and political differences cannot justify its violation.”
He added that the development was more troubling because it involved a presidential candidate, arguing that political contests should be centred on ideas, policies and development plans rather than violence.
“Politics is about competing ideas, policies and blueprints, not thuggery, intimidation or rigging,” Adeyanju stated.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to publicly condemn the incident and urged Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, to ensure that his administration neither tolerates nor encourages acts of political violence.
Adeyanju also cautioned political loyalists against engaging in actions capable of undermining democratic values in an attempt to impress those in power.
“Political sycophants and those seeking to please politicians in power must desist from anti-democratic acts,” he said.
Politics is not thuggery — Adeyanju condemns attack on Peter Obi in Benue