Political Firestorm: Opposition Condemns 'Blockade' of Peter Obi's Convoy, Alleges Desperation

The alleged attack on the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, by suspected political thugs in Benue State has drawn widespread condemnation from various political parties, including the African Action Congress (AAC) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

The African Action Congress (AAC) vehemently condemned the incident, noting that the attackers reportedly warned Obi against entering the state. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Rex I. Elanu, the AAC described the incident as a direct assault on citizens’ fundamental constitutional rights to freedom of movement, association, and political participation. While maintaining its ideological opposition to both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the NDC, the AAC asserted that it would not remain silent when democratic rights and freedoms are under threat. The party emphasized, “No governor owns Benue State, and no political party owns Nigeria,” insisting on every Nigerian's right to free movement, campaigning, association, and political participation anywhere in the country. The AAC further criticized the APC-led administration in Benue State, accusing the state government of allowing political contestation to degenerate into what it termed “dangerous pettiness.” The party highlighted the disturbing nature of the incident, particularly given the prevailing insecurity, killings, displacement, and economic hardship faced by Benue residents.

Questioning the efficacy of political peace accords, the AAC argued that such agreements have become largely symbolic due to the absence of effective mechanisms to restrain political actors and their supporters from violence and intimidation. The party also connected this development to the reported absence of the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, at the most recent Peace Accord signing in Abuja, stressing that “Democracy is not protected by signing documents; it is protected by conduct.” The AAC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant ahead of the 2027 general elections and to resist any attempts to use state power, security agencies, or political thugs to intimidate, harass, or suppress political opponents. It called for unity against “state-backed oppression” and demanded accountability from political leaders.

Similarly, the Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, condemned the blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue State. Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Anthony Ehilebo, Makinde characterized the act as a desperate tactic by the ruling party to silence the opposition in anticipation of the 2027 elections. Makinde demanded an immediate investigation into the matter, alleging that the APC was exhibiting jitters over the solidarity shown to him by other opposition presidential candidates, including Obi, during the launch of the Makinde/Daura Presidential campaign Office. The APM statement specifically detailed the incident, stating, “The incident, in which Mr. Obi’s convoy was obstructed by a group of suspected state-sponsored thugs on his way to Yelwata to visit families affected by the tragic killings in the area, is deeply disturbing and totally unacceptable.” The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Makinde described the development as “a new low in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s desperation to stifle opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.” He found it particularly worrisome that this "targeted attack" occurred barely 24 hours after Obi joined other notable opposition leaders to show solidarity with Makinde at his campaign office inauguration. He further stated that the ruling APC is "rattled by recent political developments," leading them to "resort to barbaric tactics, including intimidation, harassment, and the unlawful obstruction of the legitimate activities of opposition parties and leaders." Reaffirming constitutional guarantees, Makinde emphasized that every Nigerian, including presidential candidates, has a constitutionally protected right to move freely within any state to conduct legitimate activities without prior permission or notice. He explicitly condemned the Benue State government's response, stating that "Setting up roadblocks and engaging thugs to stop opposition candidates have no place in a constitutional democracy.” The APM called upon the Nigerian Police to immediately launch a full-scale investigation into the incident and ensure that culprits are brought to justice for the sake of Nigeria's democracy.