Attack on Obi’s convoy: Violence won’t silence Nigerians – NDC

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the assault on the convoy of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Calabar, Cross River State, describing the incident as unacceptable, insisting that Nigerians ought to be capable to interact in political actions with out threats, intimidation or violence.

In a press release signed by its National Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson, Dr Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, the social gathering stated that the incident wouldn’t discourage the social gathering from collaborating within the democratic course of.

The NDC additionally stated that no member of Obi’s delegation was injured through the assault, though one of many autos within the convoy was ambushed.

The incident occurred shortly after Obi visited the Obong of Calabar’s Palace in Calabar.

The social gathering stated the assault was notably regarding due to the same incident beforehand recorded in Benue State, the place Obi’s convoy reportedly encountered a roadblock mounted by a mob.

According to the assertion, the incident occurred alongside the Makurdi-Gboko Federal Highway, near the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi.

“We witnessed a similarly disturbing incident in Benue, where while travelling along the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway near the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi, Obi’s convoy ran into a full roadblock mounted by a mob, apparently planted there,” the assertion learn.

The NDC maintained that political participation mustn’t include the chance of bodily assaults, stressing that each Nigerian has the correct to affiliate and marketing campaign freely.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and every Nigerian has the right to campaign, associate and participate in politics without fear of violence,” the social gathering said.

It known as on the Cross River State Government and safety businesses to analyze the incident, establish these accountable and guarantee they face prosecution.

The social gathering warned that the authorities should not ignore the assault or create the impression that political violence could be tolerated.

“They must not look the other way or conduct themselves in ways that suggest tolerance or complicity in political violence. Silence and inaction only embolden perpetrators,” the assertion added.

Reaffirming its dedication to the political course of, the NDC stated the assault wouldn’t power it to desert its actions or discourage its supporters.

“Let it be clearly understood: NDC will not be intimidated, silenced or deterred by violence,” Ikokwu stated.

The social gathering additionally warned towards makes an attempt to make use of threats and assaults to affect the nation’s political course of, insisting that political energy ought to come via the selection of voters.

“No one should imagine that power can be seized through threats, intimidation and attacks rather than earned through the democratic will of the people,” the assertion learn.

Describing the forthcoming election as essential to Nigeria’s future, the NDC urged stakeholders to guard the nation’s democratic course of from political violence.

“This is a crucial election for Nigeria. Our democracy must not be held hostage by political violence,” the social gathering added.