By Ronke Akase
African Action Congress, AAC, presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, Omoyele Sowore, has strongly condemned what he described as a state-sponsored blockade and attack on the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in Benue State today.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Sowore said he watched multiple videos showing security operatives and political thugs allegedly preventing Obi’s convoy from entering the Benue State capital to carry out campaign activities.
“I have watched videos showing what appears to be a state-sponsored blockade and attack on NDC presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi as he attempted to enter the state capital to carry out legitimate campaign activities,” Sowore said.
He accused agents of the Benue State government and the federal administration of President Bola Tinubu of orchestrating the incident, describing it as a direct assault on democratic freedoms ahead of the 2027 polls.
“I strongly condemn these acts of political brigandage by agents of the state government and the Tinubu regime. This is totally unacceptable,” he added.
The alleged attack occurred as political parties begin to mobilize supporters across the country for campaigns expected to intensify in the coming months.
Obi, who ran for president in 2023 under the Labour Party and has since realigned with the NDC for the 2027 race, was reportedly in Benue to meet with party stakeholders and address supporters.
According to eyewitness accounts circulating online, Obi’s convoy was stopped at the outskirts of Makurdi by a group of men who blocked the road. Videos shared on social media showed heated exchanges between Obi’s aides and the individuals at the blockade, though it was unclear if there were injuries.
Reacting to the development, Obi said his team chose not to escalate the situation.
“We did not proceed because we cannot behave as rascally as the government. We would have confronted them. I call on the government to stop this anarchy; it consumes everybody,” Obi stated.
Sowore said the incident sets a dangerous precedent if left unchecked. He argued that no candidate, regardless of party affiliation, should be denied access to any part of the country during an election season.
“No candidate should be prevented through violence, intimidation or state-sponsored thuggery from campaigning freely anywhere in Nigeria. Those behind these cowardly attacks are toying with fire and threatening the democratic rights of all Nigerians,” he added.
The AAC candidate further warned that the use of state mercenary to frustrate opposition campaigns could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
“They must desist immediately before it is too late,” Sowore warned, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the Nigeria Police Force, and civil society organizations to investigate the incident and hold those responsible to account.
Political pundits have joined in condemning the alleged confrontation in Benue noting that it points to a growing tension ahead of 2027, as major opposition figures begin grassroots mobilization outside their traditional strongholds.
Benue has been a key battleground state in previous elections, with a large voting population and a history of competitive contests between the ruling party and opposition groups.
The Tinubu administration and the Benue State government have not issued an official response to Sowore’s allegations as of press time.
Pro-democracy activists in Makurdi have also condemned the reported blockade, urging authorities to guarantee the safety of all political actors.
An activist and commentator on contemporary issues, Comrade Benjamin Njeri while reacting to the development in a chat with newsmen noted that Section 40 and Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution guarantee freedom of assembly and freedom of movement, the rights he maintained must be protected during campaigns.
With few months to the 2027 general elections, observers say early flashpoints like the one in Benue State could shape the tone of the election cycle.
For now, both Sowore and Obi say they will continue their engagements across the country, but they are calling on Nigerians and the international community to watch closely and speak out against political violence.
The Benue incident has validated concerns raised by opposition parties about the shrinking space for political opposition and the need for a level playing field as Nigeria prepares for another presidential election.
