PDP Caucus Leader Condemns Police Blockade of Convention Venue, Calls It Threat to Democracy
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus Leader in the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi, has condemned the alleged blockade of the party’s convention venue by the Nigeria Police, describing the action as an attack on democratic principles.
Speaking during a television interview on Sunday, Agbedi expressed concern over the incident, which occurred ahead of a convention convened by the Taminu Turaki-led faction of the PDP to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate.
According to Agbedi, police operatives on Saturday barricaded roads leading to the venue of the convention, preventing party members and supporters from gaining access.
“They blocked the entire route, denied Nigerians access to the road, and prevented the PDP from using a venue it had lawfully secured for its convention,” he said.
He added that despite what he described as an attempt to restrict the party’s activities, the PDP leadership and supporters remained resolute and ensured that the convention was not disrupted.
“Faced with what we believe was an attempt to shrink the political space, the PDP leadership, supporters, and members stood their ground and remained vigilant, ensuring that the convention was not aborted,” Agbedi stated.
The lawmaker warned that actions capable of limiting legitimate political activities pose a threat to democratic governance and citizens’ constitutional rights.
“In a democracy, these are troubling signs that should concern every citizen. Any attempt to restrict legitimate political activities undermines democratic values and raises serious questions about the country’s commitment to free, fair, and open political participation,” he said.
Agbedi urged Nigerians to remain vigilant in safeguarding democratic space and constitutional freedoms.
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