The Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned the reported attack on the convoy of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his journey to Benue State.
Kwankwaso described the incident as a disturbing development and alleged that unruly elements were deliberately mobilised to block and attack Obi’s convoy and prevent him from entering Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
In a statement shared on Facebook, Kwankwaso said the incident represented another dark day for our democracy, stressing that freedom of movement was guaranteed to every Nigerian under the Constitution.
He argued that the constitutional right was particularly important in the case of Obi, describing him as a former governor and a leading opposition figure.
“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 called on the Benue State Government to urgently identify and prosecute those responsible for the alleged attack.
According to him, the state government must also take immediate steps to guarantee the safety and free movement of Obi and members of his entourage.
Kwankwaso further appealed to President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors, particularly those belonging to the ruling party, against actions that could undermine democratic values and freedoms.
He also urged the international community, including diplomatic missions and election observation organisations, to take note of the incident.
The NDC vice presidential candidate called on such bodies to encourage Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect opposition leaders and safeguard democratic freedoms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The reported incident involving Obi’s convoy comes amid heightened political activities as political parties and their candidates intensify mobilisation and engagements across the country ahead of the 2027 elections.
