The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has expressed concern over reports that the Nigeria Police Force has barricaded access roads leading to an event centre in Abuja, which is scheduled to host a convention of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
RULAAC also faulted reported threats by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to revoke the land titles of hotels, event centres, and other public venues that rent their facilities to organisations he described as “illegal.”
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the organisation said the developments raise serious constitutional questions regarding fundamental rights, the rule of law, political pluralism, and the neutrality of state institutions.
According to Nwanguma, the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly are guaranteed under Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and cannot be withdrawn by administrative action or public pronouncement.
“These rights are not granted by INEC, a minister, or any government official. They are constitutional rights that can only be restricted in accordance with the law and subject to constitutional safeguards,” he stated.
RULAAC noted that while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has statutory responsibilities concerning elections and political parties, it does not have the authority to determine whether citizens can exercise their constitutional rights to assemble, associate, or express political opinions.
The organisation further argued that hotels, event centres, and other public venues are legitimate businesses entitled to rent their facilities for lawful activities. It maintained that venue owners should not face sanctions, threats, or revocation of property rights for accommodating groups engaged in lawful political activities unless such organisations have been declared unlawful by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Nwanguma described the reported threat to revoke property titles as “particularly troubling,” warning that such actions could undermine constitutional guarantees, property rights, due process, and the principle that questions of legality must be determined by the courts rather than executive discretion.
RULAAC also expressed concern over reports that police officers blocked access to the convention venue, stressing that while the police have a constitutional duty to maintain public order and protect lives and property, such powers must be exercised impartially and within the bounds of the law.
“The Nigeria Police Force must remain politically neutral. It should not be perceived as taking sides in intra-party disputes or broader partisan political contests,” the statement said.
The organisation added that any security measures restricting access to meetings or gatherings must be based on credible and demonstrable security concerns, be necessary and proportionate, and comply with constitutional standards and the rule of law.
RULAAC emphasised that democracy flourishes when political groups are allowed to organise, assemble, campaign, and contest peacefully within the framework of the law. It argued that disputes relating to party leadership, factional legitimacy, and candidate selection should be resolved through internal party mechanisms, electoral processes, and the courts rather than through administrative intimidation or the deployment of state power.
The organisation called on the FCT Administration to respect constitutional rights and ensure that any regulatory actions are grounded in due process and respect for fundamental freedoms.
It also urged the Nigeria Police Force to maintain strict political neutrality and avoid actions that could create the impression of partisanship.
RULAAC further appealed to political actors to pursue grievances through lawful and democratic channels, while calling on oversight institutions, civil society organisations, and the National Human Rights Commission to closely monitor developments and safeguard constitutional freedoms.
“Nigeria’s democracy is strengthened when state institutions act impartially and in accordance with the Constitution. The protection of fundamental rights must never be subordinated to partisan political interests,” the statement concluded. #Securitynewsalert.com
