The presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Dr Esther Okereke, has criticised the reported obstruction of the motorcade of Peter Obi during a visit to Benue State.
Okereke described the incident as inconsistent with the commitments contained in the recently signed political Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Candidate Raises Concern Over Campaign Freedom
Speaking in an interview in Abuja, the NRM presidential candidate said all presidential candidates agreed under the accord to conduct campaigns peacefully and without intimidation.
She questioned why any candidate should face restrictions while travelling across the country to engage voters.
“About two weeks ago, we signed a peace accord. Peter Obi was there; every presidential candidate was there,” she said.
According to her, the agreement was aimed at ensuring candidates could hold rallies, meet citizens and present their programmes without harassment.
Okereke Questions Rule of Law
The NRM candidate asked whether preventing a presidential candidate from entering a state was compatible with democratic principles.
She said political competition should be based on ideas, persuasion and peaceful engagement rather than obstruction.
“Why was he not allowed to enter into Benue? Do we still have the rule of law in Nigeria?” she asked.
Calls for Protection of Democratic Rights
Okereke urged political actors, security agencies and government authorities to respect constitutional freedoms as election activities increase ahead of 2027.
She emphasised that freedom of movement, expression and peaceful political participation are essential elements of democracy.
According to her, all stakeholders must work toward maintaining a credible and peaceful electoral environment.
“The People Must Come First”
The NRM candidate said Nigeria’s democratic process should remain centred on citizens rather than political interests.
“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,” she said.
The controversy follows growing discussions among political parties over campaign activities and the need to maintain peace ahead of the 2027 elections.
