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Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso has called for the swift identification and prosecution of those who obstructed his running mate, Peter Obi’s, convoy in Benue State on Tuesday.
Kwankwaso also urged Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors, particularly those in the ruling party, against actions that could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, Kwankwaso described the incident as “another dark day for our democracy” and said the deliberate mobilisation of people to obstruct Obi’s movement was unacceptable.
“I am deeply disturbed by the attack on the convoy of our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as he travelled to Benue State,” he said.
“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.”
Obi had travelled to Benue on Tuesday for what he described as a humanitarian visit to Yelwata, where he intended to sympathise with families affected by deadly attacks.
In a now-deleted post, the NDC presidential candidate decried the alleged hostility.
His convoy was stopped along the Gboko Road axis of Makurdi, with videos showing a crowd barricading the road and chanting against the NDC presidential candidate.
However, the Benue State Government denied prior knowledge of his visit.
Kwankwaso said the incident raised concerns about Obi’s constitutional right to move freely.
“Authorities must remember that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of movement,” he said.
“This right applies even more strongly to Mr Obi, a former governor and leading opposition figure.”
He called on the Benue State Government to act against those responsible and ensure Obi’s safety.
“It must also guarantee the safety and free movement of our candidate and his entourage.”
Kwankwaso further directed his appeal at President Tinubu, urging him to intervene with state governors.
“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 also asked international actors to pay attention to the incident ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Benue incident has drawn condemnation from other opposition figures.
African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore described the reported blockade as an apparent “sponsored blockade and attack” and said no candidate should be prevented from campaigning through violence, intimidation or thuggery.
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…
— Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (@KwankwasoRM) September 8, 2026
