The 2023 General Elections in Nigeria stirred controversy as Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, condemned the arrest of the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure. Obi expressed dismay at the handling of the arrest by the Nigeria Police, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic principles.
In a public statement, Obi argued that the arrest of Abure should have been conducted in a manner that reflects Nigeria’s status as a democracy. He highlighted the need for citizens, regardless of their social standing, to comply with legal invitations from authorities. However, he vehemently opposed the undignified treatment of the National Chairman during his arrest, labeling it as deplorable and intolerable within the Nigerian civic landscape.
Emphasizing the significance of adhering to due process and established arrest procedures, Obi urged law enforcement officers to exhibit civility, decorum, and respect for the dignity and rights of citizens, while upholding the presumption of innocence. Furthermore, he underscored Abure’s role as a leader within the Labour Party and the importance of respecting political opposition in Nigeria.
Following Abure’s arrest, Tijani Momoh, the Spokesperson for Zone 5 Police Headquarters in Benin City, stated that Abure was arrested over a petition related to attempted murder and conspiracy to commit dangerous harm. Momoh clarified that the police did not assault the LP national chairman during the arrest, and attributed the altercation to individuals attempting to thwart the arrest.
The release of Abure and other LP party members arrested alongside him followed the incident, bringing a temporary resolution to the heated situation. The clash between the Nigeria Police and the Labour Party members has raised concerns about the treatment of political opposition in the country. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s democratic processes.
