By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA — National Deputy Coordinator (South) of the One Nigeria Movement, Hon. Engr. Francis Nnoli, has urged the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to rein in the party’s state chairmen over statements he said could threaten Nigerians’ constitutional rights to freedom of movement and political participation.
Nnoli’s call followed concerns over statements attributed to political actors suggesting that Nigerians may need to notify or seek permission before visiting certain states, with security implications allegedly attached to such visits.
“Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, it is time to call your state chairmen to order,” Nnoli said in a statement.
He described such statements as unacceptable and urged relevant security agencies to take note of them and caution those responsible.
“Since when in the history of Nigeria has a government or political official had the authority to tell a Nigerian citizen that he or she must first write a letter or seek permission before visiting a state in Nigeria, with the suggestion that otherwise the person’s security cannot be guaranteed?” he asked.
Nnoli said such an approach could create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation ahead of the 2027 elections.
He stressed that political parties and eligible citizens have the right to participate in political activities and campaign peacefully and lawfully.
Nnoli also urged relevant authorities to take seriously any perceived threats against political actors, specifically mentioning former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar.
“Let nothing happen to His Excellency Peter Obi or His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, or to any other Nigerian exercising his or her legitimate constitutional rights,” he said.
According to him, political differences should be resolved through dialogue, ideas, campaigns and, ultimately, the ballot box rather than through threats, intimidation, confrontation or harassment.
He said the ballot box remained the means through which Nigerians determine political leadership in a democracy.
“We must therefore resist every attempt to normalise political intimidation,” Nnoli said.
He consequently charged Yilwatda, who was elected substantive APC National Chairman in March 2026, to ensure that the conduct of political actors under the party’s leadership reflected democratic values and constitutional principles.
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