By Naomi Sharang
The Obi/Kwankwaso (OK) Movement has called on security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the reported attack on Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue.
The National Director-General of the movement, Mr John Ughulu, made the call in a statement on Friday, condemning the alleged attack and disruption of Obi’s convoy during his Benue visit on Tuesday.
Ughulu urged security agencies to ensure that anyone found responsible for the incident is held accountable under the law, stressing the importance of protecting democratic participation and political activities nationwide.
He also called on the international community, diplomatic missions, election observers and democracy-monitoring organisations to take note of reported political violence and intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections, nationwide.
Ughulu said the movement remained committed to peaceful democratic participation and would continue to defend democracy and protect its members within the law, regardless of political circumstances or provocations encountered.
He said political violence should not be allowed to become a substitute for democratic competition, adding that Nigeria belonged to all citizens and political actors must respect constitutional freedoms.
Ughulu also expressed concern over reports that individuals allegedly mobilised by elements within the state attacked or attempted to disrupt Obi’s convoy during his political engagement in Benue.
He said that the incident is unacceptable and could undermine democratic values, political tolerance and citizens’ constitutional rights to participate in lawful political activities across Nigeria peacefully.
According to him, Obi, like other presidential aspirants and political leaders, has the legal and constitutional right to visit and campaign in any part of Nigeria, without legitimate obstruction.
He said no state government, political party or individual should intimidate, harass or obstruct legitimate political activities through violence or thuggery, urging stakeholders to promote peaceful engagement and tolerance.
The national director-general commended the movement’s security team for exercising restraint during the incident, saying the decision was deliberate and aimed at preventing further confrontation and maintaining public order nationwide.
“Restraint is not weakness. Restraint is discipline,” he said, stressing that members remained committed to peaceful political engagement while protecting themselves and others within the law at all times.
Ughulu, however, warned against repeated attempts to test or exploit the movement’s restraint, stressing that it would take lawful measures to protect its members and maintain order nationwide.
The OK Movement is a political support group advocating the Obi/Kwankwaso 2027 project.(NAN)
Edited by Chioma Ugboma