By MUBARAK GANA

The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has condemned the reported blockade of the motorcade of Mr Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during his visit to Yelwata community, Benue on Tuesday.

Thugs were reported to have blocked the former Anambra governor motorcade from accessing the community where he planned to meet with victims of the internally displaced persons after the recent attack in Yelwata.

The party in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Martins Egbeola on Thursday in Abuja, also demanded the identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the incident.

Egbeola described the incident as “deeply troubling and totally unacceptable” in a constitutional democracy where citizens’ freedom of movement and right to participate in political activities were guaranteed.

He said Obi, like every other Nigerian and presidential candidate, had the right to travel to any part of the country for social, political or other legitimate engagements without harassment or intimidation.

According to him, no individual, political party or group has the right to restrict the movement of another citizen through intimidation, harassment or violence.

The YPP spokesman also faulted the reported explanation given by the Benue State Government over the incident.

He said political activities and preparations for the 2027 general elections were already underway, adding that Obi did not require anyone’s permission to enter Benue for legitimate social or political engagements.

Egbeola urged the Benue State Government to condemn the incident and cooperate with security agencies to identify arrest and prosecute those responsible.

He also called on the government to apologise to Obi and demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law.

The national publicity secretary said democracy could not thrive where political desperation degenerated into violence, intimidation and restriction of citizens’ fundamental freedoms.

He urged political actors, particularly those seeking elective offices in 2027, to play by the rules and allow Nigerians to freely exercise their democratic rights.

Egbeola further called on Nigerian youths to reject political violence and avoid being used as tools by politicians.

He said young people recruited for political violence were often left to face the consequences, while those who sponsored such activities remained protected. (NAN)