NDC VP Candidate Kwankwaso Condemns Attack On Peter Obi’s Convoy In Benue, Demands Arrest Of Perpetrators | Sahara Reporters

In a statement on Tuesday, Kwankwaso said he was “deeply disturbed” by the incident, describing it as another setback for Nigeria’s democracy.

The Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned the alleged attack on the convoy of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while travelling to Benue State.

Kwankwaso described the incident as a threat to democratic freedoms, accusing unnamed actors of deliberately mobilising “unruly elements” to block and attack Obi’s convoy and prevent him from entering Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

In a statement on Tuesday, Kwankwaso said he was “deeply disturbed” by the incident, describing it as another setback for Nigeria’s democracy.

“I am deeply disturbed by the attack on the convoy of our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as he travelled to Benue State,” he said.

According to him, the alleged mobilisation of individuals to obstruct the former Anambra State governor’s movement was deliberate and amounted to an attempt to undermine democratic principles.

“The deliberate mobilisation of unruly elements to block and attack his convoy and prevent him from entering Makurdi marks another dark day for our democracy,” Kwankwaso stated.

He stressed that freedom of movement is a constitutional right guaranteed to every Nigerian citizen, arguing that the right should not be denied on the basis of political affiliation or status.

“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.

Kwankwaso called on the Benue State Government to take immediate steps to investigate the incident, identify those allegedly responsible and ensure that they face prosecution.

He also urged the state government to put measures in place to guarantee the safety of Obi and members of his entourage as they move around the state.

“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.

The former Kano governor further called on President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors, particularly governors elected on the platform of the ruling party, against actions that could undermine democratic values and political freedoms.

“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,” Kwankwaso stated.

He also appealed to the international community to take note of the reported incident, particularly diplomatic missions and election observation organisations monitoring Nigeria’s democratic process.

Kwankwaso urged such organisations to pressure Nigerian authorities to ensure adherence to the rule of law and the protection of opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“I also call on the international community, including diplomatic missions and election observation groups, to take note of this incident and to urge Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect opposition leaders, and safeguard democratic freedoms,” he said.

The allegation comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and their candidates expected to embark on increased mobilisation and consultations across the country.

Kwankwaso’s statement places renewed attention on the need for political actors and state authorities to ensure that opposition candidates can travel and conduct political activities without intimidation, obstruction or violence.

The former Kano governor, who is also a prominent opposition figure, warned against conduct that could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

He maintained that the responsibility to protect democratic freedoms rests with government authorities and called for swift action over the alleged attack on Obi’s convoy.

It was reported earlier that thugs s in their numbers on Tuesday reportedly attacked the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, along the Gboko-Makurdi Expressway in Benue State, preventing him from visiting Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area to sympathise with victims of the June 13, 2025, terrorist attack.

Obi had arrived in Makurdi, the state capital, in the morning and was on his way to Yelwata when the incident occurred.