Obi criticises alleged ‘silent’ arrest of supporters

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned the alleged arrest and intimidation of his supporters, also known as Obidients.

Obi, in a Twitter thread on Tuesday, said it was piteous and condemnable that some security agents silently arrested some Obidients.

According to him, the move foretells that elections will not be free and fair as some groups intimidate their opposition, both during campaigns and at the polls.

“Elections are not deemed free and fair when a certain group employs the tool of intimidation to ensure that the opposition is silenced, both at the campaigns and at the polls.

“Peaceful assembly and unfettered electioneering campaigns are constitutionally guaranteed. Both and other ordered liberties cannot be breached wilfully by security agents.

“Recent reports of OBIdients being silently arrested by some security agents is extremely disturbing and condemnable. We must ensure that everyone is given a level playing field in the forthcoming elections and that no eligible Nigerian, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation is disenfranchised, more so through violence and intimidation.”

Obi then called on the Federal and State Agencies to respect the civil liberties of the citizens. “I call on the Federal and State agencies to remind their operatives of the need to respect civil liberties,” Obi said.