Kwankwaso Condemns Blockade of Obi’s Convoy in Benue

Rabiu Kwankwaso has condemned the reported blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue, calling it “a dark day for our democracy.”

In a post on his official X account, Kwankwaso, the National Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election, urged the Benue State Government to identify and prosecute those responsible. He said authorities must protect Obi’s freedom of movement and ensure the safety of the presidential candidate and his entourage.

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A dark day for our democracy.

Kwankwaso said the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to move freely, a protection he said applies especially to Obi as a former governor and leading opposition figure. He also called on President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors, particularly governors from his party, against actions that could weaken democratic principles.

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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 asked the international community, diplomatic missions and election observation groups to take note of the incident and encourage Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect opposition leaders and safeguard democratic freedoms.

Obi was reportedly prevented from proceeding into Benue after protesters barricaded Gboko Road in Makurdi for hours. They chanted “We don’t want Peter Obi” near the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport, disrupting traffic and holding back his convoy. In a video posted by News Central Television on X, Obi said he had traveled to Benue to offer condolences to victims of killings in the state. He said the blockade had been ordered by a government aide and accused those behind it of using hungry and insecure youths for political purposes.

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We don’t want Peter Obi