Group condemns attack on Obi in Benue

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

The Nigeria Patriotic Youths Forum (PYF) has condemned the alleged attack, blockade and obstruction of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, during a humanitarian visit to Yelwata in Benue State.

The group described the alleged incident as an abuse of power and a “constitutional and democratic rape”, while demanding an immediate public apology from the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.

The National Coordinator of the forum, Hon. Clifford Obinwanne Chukwuonye, made the demand in a statement in Owerri.

According to Chukwuonye, the alleged incident occurred last Tuesday when Obi visited Yelwata to sympathise with victims and families affected by recent killings in the community.

He said political differences should not be allowed to undermine the constitutional rights of citizens, particularly freedom of movement and association.

“We should respect the rule of law and we must respect each other’s fundamental rights, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution (1999 as amended),” Chukwuonye said.

“What happened in Benue State last Tuesday is definitely an abuse of power and a total demonstration of political leadership, rascality and utter violation of the Nigerian Constitution. Nigerians definitely deserve an immediate public apology from the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.”

The forum maintained that no individual or group had a monopoly of violence, stressing that Nigerians were constitutionally entitled to freedom of movement and association.

Chukwuonye urged political leaders to separate political competition from the exercise of constitutional rights, arguing that differences in political party or ideology should not be used to justify restrictions on citizens.

“Today is Mr. Peter Obi; tomorrow it could be anybody. Power is transient, but your deeds will certainly speak good or bad of you,” he said.

The group further argued that the lifting of the ban on presidential campaigns by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) gives political parties the opportunity to campaign across the country in accordance with the law.

“It is important to know that there is no gain starting ugly things you cannot finish,” the statement said.

The forum urged Nigerians to reject what it described as “politics of detribalisation, discrimination, humiliation, intimidation and disenfranchisement”, warning that such practices could undermine democratic development.

Chukwuonye said the alleged incident had raised concerns about the political environment ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that attempts to intimidate political candidates could have wider implications for the credibility of the electoral process.

He called on youths, civil society organisations and the international community to condemn what he described as efforts to intimidate or humiliate Obi because of his presidential ambition.

The PYF coordinator also cautioned Nigerian youths against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political violence and thuggery.

“Time has come for Nigerian youths to ask the so-called political leaders to bring out their children and relations for political thuggery and bravado,” he said.

“Nigerian youths should position themselves as ambassadors of national unity and critical stakeholders towards the nation’s greatness.”

The group called on political leaders across the country to embrace political tolerance and ensure that the 2027 electoral process is conducted without intimidation, violence, discrimination or political victimisation.

It stressed that the protection of citizens’ rights and peaceful political participation remained essential to sustaining Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.