The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has had his planned visit to Benue State cut short after his convoy was blocked by suspected political thugs and security personnel.
According to statements from Obi’s team, the convoy was intercepted near the Air Force Base along the Boko Road, with alleged sponsored youths and security operatives preventing the former Anambra State governor and his entourage from proceeding to Makurdi.
The development forced Obi and his team to cancel their scheduled activities in the state.
Obi, who was in Benue to commiserate with families affected by recent terrorist attacks, said he decided against confronting those who blocked his convoy.
“We did not proceed because we cannot behave as rascally as the government. We would have confronted them. I call on the government to stop this anarchy; it consumes everybody,” Obi said.
In a statement circulating online and attributed to Obi, the NDC candidate said he had travelled to Benue to express condolences to families who had lost more than 200 people in recent terrorist attacks.
“I am currently in Benue State to express my condolences to the families who have lost over 200 members to terrorist attacks in recent times.
“However, I have been informed that youths, led by the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor, have blocked the road to prevent me from proceeding. I have been here for a while, hoping they would see reason,” he said.
Obi added that the incident underscored the need to address poverty and insecurity, saying Nigerians needed opportunities to earn a livelihood.
The incident has triggered reactions on social media, with some Nigerians criticising the Benue State Government and questioning why the presidential candidate was allegedly prevented from entering the state.
The governor, however, reportedly said he was not informed by Obi about the planned visit.
Meanwhile, the NDC vice-presidential candidate and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has condemned the reported attack on Obi’s convoy.
In a statement posted on social media, Kwankwaso described the incident as “another dark day for our democracy” and called for those responsible to be identified and prosecuted.
He said the Constitution guarantees every citizen freedom of movement, adding that the Benue State Government should ensure the safety and free movement of Obi and his entourage.
Kwankwaso also urged President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors, particularly those in the ruling party, against actions capable of undermining democratic freedoms.
He further called on the international community, diplomatic missions and election observation groups to take note of the incident and urge Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law and protect opposition politicians.
