By Mubarak Gana
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has urged Nigerians to stop blaming President Bola Tinubu for actions allegedly carried out by some governors and individuals seeking to attract attention.
The NNPP National Secretary, Mr. Oginni Olaposi, made the call in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. Olaposi was reacting to the controversy surrounding the alleged prevention of Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, from visiting displaced persons in Benue.
He said that while it was wrong to prevent any Nigerian from freely entering any state, such actions should not automatically be blamed on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or the Presidency.
If we must get things right in Nigeria, there is need to stop misleading information, especially for the younger generation,” Olaposi said.
He urged political party members and governors to exercise restraint as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensified.
According to him, some actions by overzealous party members or governors are taken without directives from their parties or national leadership but the blame is often transferred to the party and the Presidency.
“Governors should especially in this season, rein in their supporters and also take the blames for their own actions or inactions,” he said.
Olaposi said incidents such as the one in Benue should be addressed promptly to prevent speculation and protect the image of the country.
He said it was unfortunate that every negative occurrence in the country was often blamed on the President.
”People involved in certain behaviours must be held accountable for it, even if they feel they are doing it on behalf of a leader, who never sent them to do so,” he said.
The NNPP national secretary, however, condemned the alleged prevention of Obi from entering Benue, saying every Nigerian, including presidential candidates, had the right to move freely and visit any state. This goes for every presidential candidate. There should not be restrictions.
“The NNPP believes in the rule of law and fundamental human rights. We also believe that violators of human rights should face the law,” he said.
Olaposi described the incident, as seen in videos circulating online, as “despicable” and urged that such occurrences should not be allowed to happen again.
He called for equal access to voters for all political candidates, saying Nigerians should be allowed to decide who to vote for.
The NNPP national secretary also urged President Tinubu and the leadership of all political parties to encourage their supporters to obey the law and avoid actions that could lead to violent clashes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He called on the Benue government to take responsibility for the alleged actions of the thugs and apologise to Nigerians.
Olaposi also urged youths to recognise their role in nation building and contribute positively to the development of the country.
NAN
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