The Federal government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has frozen the campaign account of one of the Peter Obi support groups.
Newsonline reports that the support group Take Back Naija (TBN) said the ‘much’ donations from Nigerians into their campaign account were freely given by youths who are committed to seeing that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party presidential candidate becomes president come 2023 election.
In a statement titled ‘FGN’s Sanctioning and blocking of TBN’S Bank Account’ signed and released to Newsonline, the group’s spokesman, Danjuma Garba Musa, said the action of the federal government through the CBN was against the fundamentals of democracy and the rights of the citizens to participate in the electoral process of their country.
Danjuma Garba Musa disclosed that TBN’s Keystone Bank account which is used for grassroots mobilization was frozen and when the group inquired, they were made to understand the order came from the CBN.
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The statement read in part, “We see this development as an act of political persecution, suppression and intimidation from the powers that be to stop this youth-driven grassroots movement from carrying out activities protected by the constitution.”
“TBN is a socio-political movement and a non-governmental organization made up of well-meaning patriotic Nigerians, actively engaged in promoting good governance and democratic ideals in Nigeria.”
Musa added, “It is our core value to support competent and credible candidates during elections leveraging the energy of youths who will determine electoral outcomes at all levels irrespective of the political party.
“Against the 2023 general elections, TBN Global Leadership has endorsed Mr Peter Obi and his running mate Dr Yusuf Datti Baba Ahmed of the Labour Party as the most credible and competent candidates.
“TBN has publicly solicited and equally received donations for the sole purpose of funding grassroots activities to support the ObiDatti Presidential Campaign activities.”
The Peter Obi support group further stated that blocking our account or any manner of repression will in no way stop us from supporting the ObiDatti 2023 mandate. It is our constitutional right as citizens of Nigeria to support and promote the candidate of our choice.
“Therefore, we appeal to the relevant authorities to reconsider this sanction. We also urge members of the public especially our donors to bear with us while we seek redress to unblock our account,” the statement added.
