Lauretta Onochie, former Aide to Late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, said, former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, “has the freedom to form or belong to any political party”.
Onochie said, freedom of association is a fundamental right in Nigeria enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
This is coming after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned what it called campaign of intimidation against the former Minister of Interior.
Onochie wrote on X: “Respect Our Constitution.
“1. In Nigeria, freedom of association is a fundamental right enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Specifically, Section 40 guarantees @raufaregbesola the right to assemble with others freely and associate with others.
“2. This includes the freedom of @raufaregbesola to form or belong to any political party, trade union, or any other association for the protection of his interests.
“3. Key aspects of freedom of association in Nigeria:Constitutional Basis:Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution is the primary legal framework for this right of @raufaregbesola
“4. International Law:Nigeria is also a party to regional and international human rights instruments that protect the rights of @raufaregbesola to freedom of association, further solidifying this right of @raufaregbesola within the country.
“5. In essence, the Nigerian Constitution upholds the right to freedom of association by allowing individuals including @raufaregbesola to freely come together for various purposes including for the Coalition.
“Respect Our Leaders’ Constitutional Rights. Thank you.”
