The Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, have strongly condemned an alleged attack on the convoy of NDC Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benue State.
Kwankwaso described the incident as “disturbing,” alleging that unruly elements were mobilized to block Obi’s convoy as he traveled to Makurdi, the state capital, for political engagements.
**A Threat to Democracy**
In a formal statement, Kwankwaso asserted that the blockade constitutes a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic values and the constitutional rights of its citizens.
“I am deeply disturbed by the attack on the convoy of our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as he traveled to Benue State,” Kwankwaso said. “The deliberate mobilization of unruly elements to block his convoy and prevent him from entering Makurdi marks another dark day for our democracy.”
Kwankwaso emphasized that the authorities must uphold the constitutional right to freedom of movement, noting that this right is especially pertinent for opposition figures.
“Authorities must remember that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of movement. This right applies even more strongly to Mr. Obi, a former governor and a leading opposition figure,” he added.
**Call for Investigation**
The NDC Vice Presidential candidate called on the Benue State Government to launch an immediate investigation into the incident.
“The Benue State Government must, as a matter of urgency, ensure that those responsible are swiftly identified and prosecuted. It must also guarantee the safety and free movement of our candidate and his entourage,” he said.
Kwankwaso further urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene by cautioning state governors—particularly those elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—against actions that could undermine democratic freedoms.
“I urge the President to caution state governors against any actions that could undermine the sanctity of our democracy,” he stated. He also appealed to the international community, diplomatic missions, and election observation groups to take note of the escalating tensions and urge Nigerian authorities to protect opposition leaders.
**Sowore Alleges State-Sponsorship**
Joining the condemnation, AAC Presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore alleged that the blockade appeared to involve agents of the state government. Sowore claimed to have viewed footage of the incident, which he described as an affront to legitimate political activity.
“I have watched videos showing what appears to be a state-sponsored blockade and attack on NDC presidential candidate @PeterObi as he attempted to enter the state capital to carry out legitimate campaign activities,” Sowore said.
He characterized the incident as “political brigandage” and blamed both the Benue State Government and the federal administration for failing to prevent such occurrences.
“I strongly condemn these acts of political brigandage by agents of the state government and the Tinubu regime. This is totally unacceptable,” Sowore said.
**Defending Democratic Rights**
Sowore maintained that no candidate should face intimidation or violence while campaigning.
“No candidate should be prevented through violence, intimidation, or state-sponsored thuggery from campaigning freely anywhere in Nigeria,” he said.
Closing his statement, Sowore warned that such incidents set a dangerous precedent for the nation’s stability. “Those behind these cowardly attacks are toying with fire and threatening the democratic rights of all Nigerians. They must desist immediately before it is too late.”
