Ughulu: Restraint By OK Movement Is Not Weakness

Ughulu: Restraint By OK Movement Is Not Weaknes

The Director-General of the Obi-Kwakwaso, OK, Movement, John Ozyl Ughulu, has called for a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the reported attack on the convoy of Peter Obi during his visit to Benue State.

A statement signed by him in Abuja, condemns the incident, saying any attempt to disrupt Obi’s political engagement through violence, intimidation or political thuggery is unacceptable in a democratic society.

The statement expresses concern over reports that individuals allegedly mobilised attacked or attempted to disrupt Obi’s convoy during his visit to the state.

The OK Movement DG stresses that Obi, like every presidential candidate and political leader, has the constitutional right to visit and campaign in any part of Nigeria.

It states that no state government, political party or individual has the authority to intimidate, harass or obstruct legitimate political activities through violence.

According to the statement, Ughulu also defended the conduct of the OK Movement security team, saying its decision to exercise restraint in the face of provocation was a deliberate act of leadership and responsibility, and should not be mistaken for weakness or lack of capacity.

It says the Movement chose peace to prevent political provocation from escalating into unnecessary confrontation, stressing that “restraint is discipline.”

According to the statement, the Director-General, however, warns that the Movement will not allow its restraint to be repeatedly tested or exploited, saying it will take all lawful and necessary measures to protect its leaders and members when their safety is threatened.

The statement further cautions against attempts to use political thuggery, intimidation or alleged state-sponsored violence to frustrate the activities of the OK Movement or any other political organisation.

It calls on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the Benue incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable under the law, regardless of political affiliation or position.

The Movement also urges the international community, diplomatic missions, election observers and democracy monitoring organisations to take note of incidents of political violence and intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the statement Ughulu appeals to the Federal Government and relevant authorities to protect the constitutional rights, safety and freedom of every political actor and citizen.

It maintains that elections should be won through ideas, competence, persuasion and the votes of Nigerians, rather than intimidation, violence or political thuggery, stressing that the OK Movement remains committed to peaceful democratic participation and the defence of democracy.