Attack on Obi disgraceful assault on democracy —  Aondoakaa

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has condemned the alleged attack on the Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, in Makurdi, describing the incident as a “disgraceful assault on democracy.”

Aondoakaa, a former Attorney General of the Federation, alleged that the attack was carried out by thugs led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Youths, during Obi’s visit to the state.

Obi had reportedly travelled to Benue to engage with NDC stakeholders and visit survivors of the June 13, 2025 Yelewata massacre, in which more than 200 people were killed and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

In a statement issued by his Media Assistant, James Ian, Aondoakaa said the incident was not only unacceptable but also a direct affront to the constitutional rights of Nigerians, particularly the rights to freedom of movement, association and political participation.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of movement, association, and political participation,” he said.

“No individual, group, or government has the authority to deny any Nigerian access to any part of the country on account of political affiliation.”

The PDP governorship candidate further noted that President Bola Tinubu had repeatedly emphasized the need for presidential candidates and other political leaders to move freely across the country to canvass for votes and engage with citizens ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, “Any attempt to obstruct, intimidate, or attack a political leader exercising that right runs contrary to the spirit of democratic competition and undermines the President’s call for a peaceful and inclusive political process.”

Aondoakaa also said the incident was a violation of the recently signed peace accord by political actors, under which political parties and candidates committed themselves to issue-based campaigns, non-violence and allowing opponents to move freely and interact with voters without harassment or intimidation.

He stressed that “democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, not on violence and political intolerance.”

The former Attorney General expressed concern that the incident had portrayed Benue State negatively before the nation and the international community, insisting that the alleged actions of a few politically motivated individuals should not be used to define the people of the state.

“Benue people are renowned for their hospitality, civility, and respect for visitors. Our state has always welcomed people from different political, ethnic, and religious backgrounds,” he said.

“The attack on Mr. Peter Obi is therefore inconsistent with the true identity of our people and should be condemned by all lovers of democracy irrespective of political affiliation,” he added.

Aondoakaa further lamented that the alleged attack occurred at a time when Benue was still mourning hundreds of citizens killed in violent attacks and grappling with widespread insecurity.

He accused the state government of appearing unable to prevent violence against its citizens while allegedly allowing political actors to unleash violence against visitors and opponents.

“At a time when Benue people are mourning the loss of hundreds of innocent citizens to incessant attacks and grappling with widespread insecurity, the state government appears unable to prevent violence against its own people but quick to unleash political actors against visitors and opponents,” he alleged.

The PDP candidate maintained that no responsible government should tolerate, encourage or be associated with thuggery, intimidation or harassment of political opponents and visitors to the state.

He therefore called on security agencies to immediately commence a “thorough and impartial investigation” into the incident and ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice, irrespective of their status or political connections.

Aondoakaa also urged security agencies to provide adequate protection for political actors and other Nigerians exercising their constitutional rights, while calling on Benue residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

He stressed that “violence, intimidation, and political thuggery have no place in the state’s political future.”