The Executive Director of RULAAC, Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma, has condemned any governor who uses threats, intimidation, violence or administrative restrictions to stop opposition parties and candidates from campaigning, describing such leaders as “political cowards.”
In a statement [issued on/in reaction to insert occasion or event], Nwanguma said blocking peaceful rallies, preventing the display of campaign posters, or denying candidates access to voters is an unacceptable abuse of power.
“A governor who is confident of winning a free and fair election should be willing to defend their record and let voters hear what their opponents have to offer,” he said.
He stressed that the freedom to campaign is not only the right of candidates and parties but also of citizens, who must be able to hear competing ideas, compare programmes and decide who deserves their mandate.
“A governor who abuses the powers of office to silence opponents is taking that choice away from the people,” Nwanguma stated.
He warned that those who rely on coercion and “dirty tricks” to win or hold on to power are unfit for democratic leadership.
“Public office is a trust,” he said, adding that those who seek it “must be prepared to earn the people’s support and respect their verdict at the polls.”
