Vice-presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has criticised the reported blockade of the convoy of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while he was travelling to Benue State.
Kwankwaso, in a statement posted on his official X account on Tuesday, described the incident as an affront to democratic principles and urged the Benue State Government to investigate the incident and prosecute those found responsible.
The former Kano State governor alleged that people were mobilised to prevent Obi from gaining access to Makurdi, describing the development as a “dark day for our democracy.”
Kwankwaso said, “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 also called on the Benue State Government to take steps to guarantee the safety of Obi and members of his entourage while ensuring their freedom of movement.
“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.
Kwankwaso further appealed to the international community, including diplomatic missions and election monitoring organisations, to take note of the incident.
He urged them to encourage Nigerian authorities to respect the rule of law, protect opposition figures and uphold democratic rights.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Obi’s convoy was stopped in Makurdi after protesters barricaded the Gboko Road in the Benue State capital.
The demonstrators, who reportedly chanted “We don’t want Peter Obi,” blocked the road around the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport, causing traffic disruption and leaving Obi’s convoy unable to proceed for hours.
In a video shared on Tuesday by News Central Television on X, Obi said he had travelled to Benue to sympathise with victims of killings in the state but was prevented from continuing his journey allegedly on the instruction of a government aide.
The former Anambra State governor described the incident as unacceptable and alleged that vulnerable youths were being mobilised for political purposes.
Obi also criticised the alleged mobilisation of the protesters, saying those behind it had acted without considering the possible consequences.
