By EMMANUEL OLONIRUHA

National Rescue Movement (NRM) Presidential Candidate, Dr Esther Okereke, has condemned the Tuesday blockade of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi’s motorcade in Benue, describing it as violation of the recently signed political Peace Accord.

Okereke, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, said the incident was totally against the spirit and letters of the accord signed by all presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Okereke questioned why any candidate should be restricted from travelling or engaging voters across the country.

“About two weeks ago, we signed a peace accord. Peter Obi was there; every presidential candidate was there.

“The agreement was that we are going to campaign, conduct our rallies, talk to people and try to convince and debate peacefully without intimidation and without bullying.

“So now, why was he not allowed to enter into Benue? Do we still have the rule of law in Nigeria? Why is he not allowed to enter Benue? We should ask that to the system,” she said.

The NRM presidential candidate urged political actors, security agencies and state authorities to uphold constitutional guarantees regarding basic freedoms and rule of law, as electioneering activities intensified across the country.

Okereke said that democratic principles must be respected by all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

“Please, allow the rule of law to take place in Nigeria. This is democracy—freedom of speech, freedom of movement, freedom to try to save the nation.

“It must always be the people first, and the nation always,” Okereke said. (NAN)