The NDC condemns an attack on Peter Obi’s convoy in Calabar, demands investigation and prosecution, and rejects political intimidation.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) hascondemned an attack on the convoy of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Calabar, Cross River State, describing the incident as an unacceptable threat to democratic participation.
The party said the attack occurred on Thursday, adding that no member of Obi’s delegation was injured when one of the vehicles in the convoy was ambushed.
In a statement signed by its National Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson, Dr Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, the NDC said the incident followed a similar attack in Benue State.
The party alleged that Obi’s convoy encountered a roadblock mounted by a mob along the Makurdi-Gboko Federal Highway, near the Nigerian AirForce Base in Makurdi.
It said every Nigerian had the right to campaign, associate and participate in political activities without fear of violence.
The NDC called on the Cross River State Government and security agencies to investigate the Calabar attack, identify those responsible and prosecute them.
It also warned against any conduct by authorities that could suggest tolerance or complicity inpolitical violence.
“Silence and inaction only embolden perpetrators,”the party said.
The NDC maintained that the attack would notdeter Obi or the party from participating in theelectoral process.
“Let it be clearly understood: NDC will not beintimidated, silenced or deterred by violence,”the statement said.
The party added that political power should be earned through the democratic will of the people rather than threats, intimidation and attacks.
It also called for the protection of Nigeria’s democratic process, warning that political violence mustnot undermine the forthcoming election.
