Kebbi: Attack on Atiku’s marketing campaign convoy threatens opposition’s freedom of meeting – Amnesty

Amnesty International has warned that the assault on the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar’s marketing campaign convoy in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, threatens the rights of opposition events to freely maintain political actions.

In an announcement issued on Thursday, the rights organisation stated armed males blocked the convoy, attacked automobiles and assaulted individuals with cutlasses.

Amnesty stated footage it analysed confirmed armed gangs placing individuals with cutlasses, attacking automobiles and blocking roads through the incident.

It added that members of the media crew overlaying the marketing campaign had been additionally focused, with cameras and different tools destroyed.

The organisation stated the destruction of the tools was aimed toward stopping journalists from documenting the marketing campaign actions.

It warned that the incident might undermine the rights of opposition events and their supporters to freedom of affiliation and peaceable meeting.

Amnesty stated the Kebbi assault got here days after related violence in opposition to ADC marketing campaign actions in neighbouring Sokoto State, describing the incidents as a part of a troubling sample of assaults on opposition supporters.

The organisation additionally cited related assaults in Niger, Kaduna, Edo and Enugu states, alleging that authorities had failed to make sure accountability in circumstances it investigated.

“No one should lose their life or face violence simply for taking part in peaceful political activities,” Amnesty stated.

It warned that continued assaults on opposition events and their supporters might undermine democratic participation and create an environment of concern forward of the 2027 common elections.