By Our Reporter I Tuesday, Sept.08, 2026
LAGOS — Former Kano State Governor and politician, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (RMK), has strongly condemned the alleged attack on the convoy of opposition presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in Benue State, describing the development as “another dark day for our democracy”.
Kwankwaso’s reaction followed reports that suspected thugs blocked major roads—including areas around the Air Force Base along the Gboko-Makurdi Expressway—in a bid to prevent Obi and his entourage from entering Makurdi and proceeding to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area.
Expressing deep concern over the incident, Kwankwaso stated:
”I am deeply disturbed by the attack on the convoy of our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as he travelled to Benue State. 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.”
Constitutional Freedoms Under Threat
Kwankwaso reminded security agencies and state authorities that Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of movement throughout the country.
”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,” Kwankwaso added.
He urged the Benue State Government to immediately launch a full investigation, prosecute those responsible, and safeguard opposition leaders traversing 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.”
Appeal to Presidency, Diplomatic Missions
Reiterating the need for peaceful political engagement, Kwankwaso called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene directly by reining in state executives who might be using state power or political thuggery to suppress opposition parties.
”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,” he said.
He concluded by appealing to international observers, foreign diplomatic missions, and human rights monitoring groups to closely track developments in Nigeria’s political space.
”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.”
The attack occurred as Peter Obi was travelling through Makurdi to Yelwata in Guma LGA to sympathise with victims of recent violent attacks and present relief supplies. Eyewitness videos shared online by Obi’s media team showed individuals obstructing the road and chasing vehicles in his convoy.
While opposition leaders blamed state-sponsored thugs for attempting to bar Obi from the capital, local ruling party representatives denied involvement.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed that security operatives responded to the scene where youths blocked the highway and stated that an investigation into the causes of the blockade is currently underway.
