MAKURDI — Amnesty International has condemned the blocking of opposition NDC presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, from entering Benue State, describing it as a “reckless and unlawful” act of political repression that threatens Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement obtained by BVI Channel on Monday, the human rights organization said heavily armed youth unlawfully barricaded Gboko Road in Makurdi, the state capital, in what it described as a coordinated attack that put Obi’s entourage at risk.
“Benue State government has questions to answer for this brazen act of political repression,” Amnesty said. “No Nigerian needs anybody’s permission or prior notification to visit any part of the country — at all times. No state is a no-go area for any person or supporters of any political party.”
The group labeled the incident “an unprecedented and dangerous act of political hooliganism that undermines the entire democratic process.
Amnesty further accused state-endorsed vigilante groups and political thugs of harassing rival candidates, calling the practice unlawful.
Organization said it has, since last year, documented a “shocking level of political repression” across several states. This includes preventing hotels from hosting opposition meetings, direct attacks on political activities of rival parties, and other actions that undermine a level playing field.
“We are seriously concerned that the Nigerian Government is doing very little to prevent political repression and violence,” the statement read. “Some states have been implementing unpronounced policy of using all means of shutting out any political opposition.”
Amnesty also expressed concern over the failure of relevant authorities to investigate and prosecute suspected perpetrators of political violence.
The group called for decisive action to address “alarming intolerance, incitements and other efforts to undermine democracy.”
It urged political parties and candidates to make an anti-violence and anti-thuggery stance “a clear and integral part of their election campaign.”
As of the time of filing this report by BVI Channel, the Benue State government had not issued an official response to Amnesty’s allegations.
