By Isaac Mission
The Imo State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the reported obstruction of its presidential candidate, Peter Gregory Obi, during his visit to Benue State, describing the incident as a threat to democratic freedoms.
The party, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Publicity Secretary, Uchechukwu Ayozie, alleged that Obi was subjected to intimidation after arriving at the Benue State airport on Monday.
According to the Imo NDC, the presidential candidate encountered a blockade around the airport area, which it said prevented him from moving freely.
The state chairman of the party, Barrister Reginald Uwakwe, criticised the incident, describing it as evidence of what he called growing political desperation rather than legitimate political competition.
Uwakwe warned that the party would resist similar incidents in other parts of the country, insisting that no state should be treated as a political territory where citizens can be prevented from exercising their constitutional rights.
The NDC referenced Sections 40 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that citizens are guaranteed rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of movement.
The party also appealed to Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be recruited into politically motivated acts of violence or intimidation.
It urged young people to reject financial inducements to participate in activities that could undermine democracy, arguing that their energy should instead be channelled towards building a better country.
The Imo NDC maintained that the reported incident would not weaken its political resolve, insisting that the party remained committed to what it described as the restoration of citizens’ dignity and democratic values.
It further called on security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and bring anyone found culpable to justice.
The party warned political actors against using intimidation as a tool during the build-up to the 2027 elections, stressing that political differences should be settled through democratic engagement rather than confrontation.
The statement added that the NDC would continue with its political activities despite what it described as attempts to frustrate or intimidate its members and candidates.