Amnesty International has condemned the alleged use of political thugs to prevent the presidential candidate of the opposition New Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, from entering Benue State, describing the incident as a reckless and unlawful act of political repression.
The human rights organisation said the Benue State Government has questions to answer over what it described as a brazen attempt to restrict the movement of an opposition presidential candidate and his supporters.
Amnesty International stressed that no Nigerian requires permission or prior notification to visit any part of the country, insisting that no state should be turned into a no-go area for any individual or supporter of a political party.
The organisation made its position known following an incident in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, where heavily armed youths reportedly barricaded Gboko Road and prevented Obi and members of his entourage from gaining access to the state.
According to Amnesty International, the incident appeared to be part of a coordinated action that potentially placed the opposition candidate and members of his entourage at risk.
“What happened today in Benue State is an unprecedented and dangerous act of political hooliganism that undermines the entire democratic process,” Amnesty International said.
The rights organisation warned that the harassment of rival political candidates by state-endorsed armed vigilante groups or political thugs is unlawful and must not be allowed to become part of Nigeria’s electoral culture.
It said the incident was particularly alarming against the backdrop of what it described as increasing political intolerance, incitement and other attempts to undermine democratic participation ahead of the elections.
Amnesty International said it had, since last year, documented what it described as shocking levels of political repression across parts of Nigeria.
According to the organisation, opposition parties and their supporters have faced attempts to prevent hotels from hosting political meetings, direct attacks on the political activities of rival parties and other actions capable of undermining a level playing field in Nigeria’s political process.
Amnesty International also expressed concern over what it described as the Nigerian Government’s failure to do enough to prevent political repression and election-related violence.
The organisation alleged that some states had adopted what it described as an unannounced policy of using all available means to shut out political opposition.
“We are seriously concerned that the Nigerian Government is doing very little to prevent political repression and violence,” the organisation said.
It further expressed concern over the alleged failure of relevant authorities to investigate such incidents and ensure that suspected perpetrators are brought to justice.
The rights organisation urged authorities to take decisive steps to address what it described as alarming political intolerance and attempts to undermine democratic participation.
Amnesty International warned that allowing political thuggery, intimidation and violence to continue unchecked could further weaken Nigeria’s democratic process and create an increasingly hostile environment for opposition parties and their supporters.
It also called on political parties and candidates to make clear commitments against violence and thuggery, stressing that an anti-violence stance must form an integral part of their election campaigns.
The organisation maintained that all political actors must be allowed to participate freely and safely in the electoral process, while authorities have a responsibility to protect citizens’ rights to freedom of movement, political participation and peaceful assembly.