Peter Obi: What happened in Benue unprecedented, dangerous political hooliganism – Amnesty International

Amnesty International has condemned the alleged use of political thugs to prevent the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, from entering Benue State.

The organisation, in a statement, expressed concern over the development, describing it as an unlawful act of political repression.

According to Amnesty International, no Nigerian requires permission or prior notification to visit any part of the country.

“No state is a no-go area for any person or supporters of any political party,” the organisation said.

It alleged that heavily armed youths barricaded Gboko Road in Makurdi, the state capital, in what appeared to be a coordinated attempt to prevent Obi and his entourage from proceeding with their visit.

Amnesty International said the Benue State Government had questions to answer over the incident, warning against the use of armed vigilante groups or political thugs to harass opposition candidates.

“What happened today in Benue State is an unprecedented and dangerous act of political hooliganism that undermines the entire democratic process,” it said.

The organisation further claimed that since last year, it had documented incidents of political repression, including alleged attempts to prevent hotels from hosting opposition political meetings and attacks on activities organised by rival political parties.

It expressed concern that the Federal Government was doing little to prevent political repression and violence, alleging that some states had adopted measures aimed at shutting out political opposition.

Amnesty International also criticised what it described as the failure of relevant authorities to investigate such incidents and bring suspected perpetrators to justice.

It urged political parties and candidates to make opposition to violence and political thuggery an integral part of their election campaigns.