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By Lukman Olabiyi
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has condemned the reported blockade of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention venue in Abuja by the Nigeria Police Force, describing the action as a threat to constitutional freedoms and democratic principles.
The advocacy group also faulted alleged threats by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to revoke the land titles of hotels, event centres and other public facilities that rent their premises to organisations he described as “illegal.”
In a statement, RULAAC Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said the developments raise serious concerns about respect for constitutional rights, political pluralism, the rule of law and the neutrality of state institutions.
According to the group, freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly are guaranteed under Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution and cannot be curtailed by administrative directives or political pronouncements.
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“These rights are not granted by INEC, a minister, or any government official. They are constitutional rights that can only be restricted in accordance with the law and subject to constitutional safeguards,” the statement said.
RULAAC argued that while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has responsibilities regarding elections and political parties, it does not possess the authority to determine whether citizens can assemble, associate or express political views.
The organisation further maintained that hotels and event centres are legitimate businesses entitled to rent their facilities for lawful activities and should not face sanctions for hosting political meetings unless such organisations have been declared unlawful by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“The reported threat to revoke titles of properties used for meetings of organisations deemed ‘illegal’ by executive fiat is particularly troubling,” RULAAC stated, warning that such actions could undermine constitutional guarantees, property rights and due process.
