The Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has condemned the reported attack on the convoy of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benue State.
Obi’s convoy was stopped by youths along the Gboko Road area of Makurdi on Tuesday, September 8, while he was travelling to Yelwata to visit families affected by the deadly attacks in the community.
The former Kano State governor was reportedly unable to continue the journey after the youths blocked the road, forcing Obi and his entourage to return to Abuja.
Reacting to the incident, Kwankwaso described the development as a threat to democratic freedoms and called on authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible.
In a statement shared on social media, Kwankwaso said:
“I am deeply disturbed by the attack on the convoy of our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as he travelled to Benue State.”
He alleged that the youths were deliberately mobilised to prevent Obi from entering Makurdi, describing the incident as another setback for Nigeria’s democracy.
“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 also cited the constitutional right to freedom of movement, arguing that the right should apply to Obi as a former governor and opposition presidential candidate.
He called on the Benue State Government to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible face prosecution.
“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.”
The NDC vice presidential candidate further appealed to President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors, particularly those belonging to the ruling party, against actions that could undermine democratic rights.
“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 also called on the international community, including diplomatic missions and election observation organisations, to take note of the incident ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged such organisations to encourage Nigerian authorities to protect opposition politicians and uphold the rule of law.
The incident has already triggered a political dispute over who was responsible for the blockade.
The Benue State Government has denied involvement, with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, saying the government was not aware that Obi was visiting the state.
Tersoo also insisted that the youths involved in the incident were not acting on behalf of the government, adding that Obi was not considered a threat to the governor.
Obi had travelled to Benue to visit Yelwata, where scores of residents were killed in a June 2025 attack. He said the purpose of the visit was to sympathise with affected families rather than campaign.
The NDC has maintained that the incident should not prevent its presidential candidate from visiting communities across the country.
Kwankwaso’s reaction adds to growing political criticism of the incident, with the opposition party demanding that the circumstances surrounding the blockade be investigated and that Obi’s constitutional rights be protected.
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