The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has condemned the alleged attack on the Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, during his visit to Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

Aondoakaa described the incident, which he alleged was carried out by thugs reportedly led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Youths, as a “disgraceful assault on democracy” and an affront to the constitutional rights of Nigerians.

Obi was reportedly in Benue to engage with NDC stakeholders and visit survivors of the Yelewata massacre, where more than 200 people were killed and properties worth millions of naira destroyed last year.

The former Attorney-General of the Federation said the Constitution guarantees citizens the rights to freedom of movement, association and political participation.

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He stressed that no individual, group or government should prevent Nigerians from accessing any part of the country because of their political affiliation.

Aondoakaa also referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s repeated calls for political candidates and leaders to be allowed to travel freely across the country, engage citizens and canvass for support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He argued that attempts to obstruct, intimidate or attack political leaders exercising their constitutional rights undermine democratic competition and the need for a peaceful and inclusive electoral process.

According to him, the alleged incident also runs contrary to the commitments contained in the recently signed political peace accord, under which political actors pledged to promote issue-based campaigns, reject violence and allow opponents to freely interact with voters.

“Democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, not on violence and political intolerance,” Aondoakaa said.

The PDP governorship candidate expressed concern that the incident could portray Benue State negatively before Nigerians and the international community.

He maintained that the alleged actions of individuals should not be interpreted as representing the character, values and culture of the people of Benue 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. 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.”

Aondoakaa further expressed concern that the incident occurred at a time when Benue residents were dealing with insecurity and mourning victims of attacks across the state.

He argued that no responsible government should tolerate or encourage thuggery, intimidation or harassment against political opponents or visitors.

The former Attorney-General of the Federation consequently called on security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged attack and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted, irrespective of political status or connections.

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He also urged security agencies to guarantee the safety of political actors and other Nigerians exercising their constitutional rights ahead of the 2027 elections.

Aondoakaa appealed to Benue residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to democratic principles, stressing that violence, intimidation and political thuggery should have no place in the state’s political future.