The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Presidential Campaign has condemned the reported obstruction of the convoy of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State.
The campaign, in a statement signed by Anthony Ehilebo, who is the Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication to APM presidential candidate, Engr. Seyi Makinde, described the incident as unacceptable and demanded a full investigation by the Nigerian Police.
According to the statement, Obi’s convoy was allegedly obstructed by suspected state-sponsored thugs on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, while he was on his way to Yelwata to visit families affected by recent killings in the area.
The APM campaign linked the incident to what it described as growing political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections, alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was resorting to intimidation and harassment to silence opposition voices.
The campaign also noted that the incident occurred less than 24 hours after Obi joined other opposition leaders at the inauguration of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office in Abuja on Monday, September 7.
It accused the APC of being unsettled by recent political developments, alleging that the party was employing “barbaric tactics” to frustrate opposition activities.
The campaign further cited Sections 40 and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which respectively guarantee the rights to freedom of association and freedom of movement.
Reacting to a reported statement by the Benue State Government that Obi did not obtain prior permission before visiting the state, the APM campaign argued that Nigerians have a constitutional right to enter and move freely within any part of the country to undertake legitimate activities.
It said the use of roadblocks or thugs to obstruct political candidates had no place in a constitutional democracy.
The campaign therefore called on the police to commence a full-scale investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
While reaffirming its commitment to a peaceful electoral process, the campaign said it would not be intimidated or deterred from participating in the 2027 elections.
