Amnesty International deeply is concerned by the reckless and unlawful use of political thugs that blocked the presidential candidate of opposition NDC Peter Obi from entering Benue state. Benue state government has questions to answer for this brazen act of political repression. No Nigerian needs anybody’s permission or prior notification to visit any part of the country — at all times. No state is a no-go area for any person or supporters of any political party.
What happened today in Benue state is an unprecedented and dangerous act of political hooliganism that undermines the entire democratic process. Heavily armed youth unlawfully barricaded Gboko Road in Makurdi, the state capital in what appears to be a coordinated plan that puts the entourage of opposition NDC at risk. Harassment of rival candidates by state-endorsed armed vigilante groups or thugs is unlawful.
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Alarming intolerance, incitements and other efforts to undermine democracy must be decisively addressed now. Since last year, Amnesty International has been documenting shocking level of political repression, including preventing hotels from hosting political meetings organized by the opposition, direct attacks on political activities of rival parties and other acts that undermine the existence of level playing field politically.
We are seriously concerned that the Nigerian Government is doing very little to prevent political repression and violence. Some states have been implementing unpronounced policy of using all means of shutting out any political opposition. We are also concerned by the failure of the relevant authorities to investigate and bring to justice the suspected perpetrators of such acts.
Political parties and candidates must make anti-violence and thuggery stance a clear and integral part of their elections campaign.
