Vice-presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has condemned the reported blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy during the presidential candidate’s visit to Benue State.
Kwankwaso, in a statement shared on his official X account on Tuesday, described the incident as a troubling development for Nigeria’s democratic process and called on the Benue State Government to investigate and prosecute anyone found responsible.
The former Kano State governor alleged that people were mobilised to prevent Obi from entering Makurdi, describing the reported incident as a “dark day for our democracy.”
Kwankwaso said the constitutional right to freedom of movement applies to every citizen, including Obi, whom he described as a former governor and prominent opposition figure.
“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 leading opposition figure,” he said.
He also urged the Benue State Government to take steps to guarantee Obi’s safety and ensure that members of his entourage could move freely during the visit.
Kwankwaso further called on President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors, particularly those belonging to his political party, against actions that could undermine democratic principles.
“I further urge the President to caution state governors, particularly those in his party, against any actions that could undermine the sanctity of our democracy,” he said.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate also appealed to the international community, including diplomatic missions and election-monitoring organisations, to pay attention to the incident.
He urged such organisations to encourage Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect opposition politicians and preserve democratic freedoms.
The reaction followed the reported disruption of Obi’s movement in Makurdi on Tuesday after protesters barricaded Gboko Road.
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The protesters reportedly gathered around the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport and chanted, “We don’t want Peter Obi,” while his convoy was unable to proceed for several hours.
DailyInsightNG reports that Obi said he had travelled to Benue to sympathise with victims of killings in the state but alleged that his movement was blocked after youths were mobilised on the instruction of a government aide.
In a video shared by News Central Television on X, Obi described the development as unacceptable and accused those behind the blockade of using young people affected by poverty and insecurity for political purposes.
He also claimed that the youths had been mobilised without considering the consequences of their actions.
The Benue State Government has separately denied knowledge of Obi’s visit, while the state police command confirmed that it was aware of his movement to Yelwata and said officers provided security.
Police said the reason the youths blocked the convoy remained unknown and that investigations were ongoing.