The former governor of Anambra State and current presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Peter Obi, has called on government agencies and institutions to desist from actions as willing tools for political intimidation and suppression of democracy.
Obi, who disclosed this in a post on his social media platform stated that he has followed with deep concern, the developments surrounding the reported freezing of Osun State government’s bank account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) few days to the governorship election.
He said, “Let me reiterate that I have always supported a relentless fight against corruption. However, that fight must never become a tool for political intimidation or the suppression of democracy. No institution, however important, should be used in a manner that creates the impression of influencing the electoral process.
The timing of this action raises legitimate questions. If investigations had been ongoing for months, why take such a drastic step on the eve of an election? In a democracy, institutions must not only be impartial but must also be seen to be impartial.
What is increasingly troubling is the growing perception that state institutions are being deployed to achieve political ends and secure power at all costs. This is dangerous for our democracy. Governments come and go, but once institutions lose their independence and credibility, the nation suffers.
If there is evidence of wrongdoing, the constitution provides a clear path: seek the appropriate orders from a competent court. Due process is the foundation of justice. No agency should exercise powers beyond those granted by law.
I call on all relevant authorities to act strictly within the Constitution and ensure that nothing undermines the credibility of the Osun governorship election. The people of Osun state must be allowed to freely determine their future through the ballot, without intimidation or institutional interference.
Nigeria’s democracy was built on sacrifice. We must not allow it to be weakened by the misuse of institutions or the pursuit of political advantage”.
