By SCM Correspondent l Tuesday, Sept. 08
MAKURDI, Nigeria — Senior political figures in Nigeria issued sharp condemnations on Tuesday after a group of youths blocked the convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), preventing him from traveling to aid victims of violence in Benue State.
The incident occurred near the state capital of Makurdi as Mr. Obi attempted to travel to Yelewata, a community devastated by recent violent attacks.
According to eyewitness accounts and local party officials, a crowd of protesters mounted a roadblock along the highway, chanting slogans against the candidate and denying his entourage passage.
Mr. Obi opted to turn back to prevent escalation, calling the blockade a dangerous precedent for the nation’s political process.
Aminu Tambuwal, a former governor of Sokoto State and prominent political figure, released a statement strongly criticizing the disruption, characterizing it as a direct threat to constitutional freedoms.
”I condemn in the strongest possible terms the treatment meted out to H.E. Peter Obi,” Mr. Tambuwal said. “The reported obstruction of his movement by a group of youths is unacceptable, undemocratic, and completely inconsistent with the kind of politics we should be practicing in Nigeria.”
Mr. Tambuwal emphasized that every Nigerian candidate retains the constitutional right to travel freely throughout the country and canvass for support without fear or harassment. Calling on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the blockade, he warned against allowing political violence to take root: “Today, it may be Peter Obi; tomorrow, it could be another candidate.”
The Benue State Government denied involvement in the blockade. A spokesperson for Governor Hyacinth Alia rejected allegations linking state officials to the protesters, describing the incident as an internal opposition matter or a localized demonstration.
The confrontation highlights growing volatility in Nigeria’s political climate ahead of the 2027 general election cycle.
Mr. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, gained national prominence during his 2023 presidential campaign under the Labour Party. Earlier this year, Mr. Obi aligned with the newly aligned opposition bloc, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), positioning himself as a primary challenger to the ruling party.
Benue State, located in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has been deeply affected by ongoing security challenges, including communal conflicts and insurgent violence that have left hundreds dead and thousands displaced. Political visits to relief zones have frequently turned controversial, with opposition parties accusing regional authorities of suppressing public sympathy missions.
Human rights watchdogs and election monitors have increasingly expressed concern over freedom of movement for opposition actors, warning that political thugs and informal blockades pose a major risk to democratic participation. Security officials in Benue stated Tuesday evening that an investigation into the Makurdi blockade is underway.
