Makinde Campaign Condemns Alleged Blockade of Peter Obi’s Convoy in Benue••• Accuses APC of Desperation to Silence Opposition Ahead of 2027
IBADAN — The campaign organisation of the Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Engr. Seyi Makinde, has condemned the alleged obstruction of the convoy of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State. The campaign, in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Anthony Ehilebo, described the incident as “unwarranted” and alleged that it was part of attempts to intimidate opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, was reportedly in Benue on Tuesday to visit families affected by the killings in Yelwata when his convoy was allegedly obstructed by suspected state-sponsored thugs. The Makinde campaign described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable, alleging that the development represented a new dimension in what it characterised as the ruling All Progressives Congress’ efforts to stifle opposition activities ahead of the 2027 elections. The campaign further linked the incident to Obi’s participation in the inauguration of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office on Monday, September 7, 2026, where he joined other opposition figures to express solidarity with Makinde. According to the statement, the ruling APC was “seriously afraid and completely rattled” by recent political developments, which it alleged had resulted in the use of intimidation, harassment and obstruction against opposition leaders. The campaign also faulted the explanation reportedly attributed to the Benue State Government that Obi did not obtain prior permission before visiting the state. It argued that Nigerian citizens have constitutional rights to move freely within the country and associate with others without seeking permission from state authorities. The statement cited Sections 40 and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which provide for freedom of assembly and association as well as freedom of movement, respectively. The campaign said, “Every Nigerian, whether presidential candidate or not, has a constitutionally guaranteed right to enter, live, and move freely within any state in Nigeria to conduct his or her legitimate activity without any prior permission or notice.” It argued that roadblocks and the alleged deployment of thugs to obstruct opposition candidates were inconsistent with the principles of a constitutional democracy. The campaign consequently called on the Nigeria Police Force to commence a full investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice. It said such action was necessary to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Makinde campaign reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful electoral process, stressing that the reported incident would not deter it from participating in legitimate political activities. “We remain committed to a peaceful electoral process, but it is important to state that we shall not be deterred nor cowed by the antics of those who seek to make peaceful participation impossible,” the statement added
