Banner Online News

By Our Reporter

Hon. Jeffrey Ugochukwu Adigwe (JUA), the acclaimed winner of the NDC Aniocha South Constituency House of Assembly primary, has condemned in the strongest terms the reported attack and obstruction of the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in Benue State, describing the incident as a disturbing assault on democratic values and Nigeria’s political culture.

Obi’s convoy was reportedly blocked by a hostile crowd, believed to be hired while he was attempting to visit Yelwata to sympathise with families affected by the devastating killings there. While the circumstances surrounding the incident remain subject to investigation, the development has already drawn condemnation from the NDC and renewed concerns about political tolerance ahead of the 2027 elections.

Adigwe said no political disagreement should ever become a licence for intimidation, harassment or violence, stressing that every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement, association, peaceful engagement and political expression, irrespective of party affiliation.

“We may disagree politically, but disagreement must never become hostility. Democracy thrives on tolerance, dialogue and the freedom to associate with whoever one chooses.
What happened to Peter Obi, if established as reported, is unacceptable and must never become the standard for our politics,” he said.

He therefore called on the Federal Government, the Benue State Government and all relevant security agencies to ensure a thorough, impartial investigation into the incident, identify those responsible and bring anyone found culpable to justice.

Adigwe stressed that the responsibility of government is to protect citizens and political actors alike, not merely when they agree with those in authority, adding that the security and dignity of every Nigerian must remain above partisan considerations.

Adigwe also appealed to Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be weaponised by politicians or drawn into acts capable of destroying the democratic future they will inherit. He urged young Nigerians to defend their right to choose their political leaders freely, associate peacefully, support opposing candidates and express their views without fear, saying political tolerance is not weakness but a measure of democratic maturity.

“An injury to one is an injury to all. Today it may be Peter Obi; tomorrow it could be another candidate, another party or an ordinary citizen.
We must draw the line now. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and no political ambition is worth the blood, freedom or dignity of another Nigerian.”

Adigwe called on all political actors to embrace restraint and civility, insisting that the 2027 elections must be a contest of ideas, competence and character, rather than intimidation, violence or political thuggery.