Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned the alleged attack on the convoy of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benue State, accusing Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration of failing to protect opposition political activities in the state.
Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, also called for an immediate investigation into the incident and prosecution of those found responsible, while urging the international community to take note of the development.
In a statement on Tuesday, Kwankwaso said he was “deeply disturbed” by the reported attack, describing it as a setback for Nigeria’s democracy.
“I am deeply disturbed by the attack on the convoy of our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as he travelled to Benue State,” he said.
He alleged that “unruly elements” were mobilised to block and attack Obi’s convoy in an attempt to prevent the former Anambra State governor from entering Makurdi, the state capital.
“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,” Kwankwaso stated.
The former Kano governor argued that freedom of movement was a constitutional right guaranteed to every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation or status.
“Authorities must remember that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of movement. This right applies even more strongly to Mr Obi, a former governor and leading opposition figure,” he said.
Kwankwaso urged the Benue State Government to urgently investigate the incident, identify the alleged perpetrators and ensure their prosecution.
He also called on the state authorities to guarantee the safety and free movement of Obi and members of his entourage during their engagements in the state.
“The Benue State Government must, as a matter of urgency, ensure that those responsible are swiftly identified and prosecuted. It must also guarantee the safety and free movement of our candidate and his entourage,” he said.
Kwankwaso further called on President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors, particularly those elected on the platform of the ruling party, against actions capable of undermining democratic values and political freedoms.
“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 stated.
He also appealed to diplomatic missions and election observation organisations to take note of the incident and urge Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law and protect opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“I also call on the international community, including diplomatic missions and election observation groups, to take note of this incident and to urge Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect opposition leaders, and safeguard democratic freedoms,” Kwankwaso said.
The allegation followed reports that suspected thugs allegedly attacked Obi’s convoy on Tuesday along the Gboko-Makurdi Expressway in Benue State.
Obi had arrived in Makurdi earlier in the morning and was reportedly travelling to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area to sympathise with victims of the June 13, 2025 terrorist attack when the incident occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the reported attack remained the subject of competing claims, with Kwankwaso demanding an official investigation to establish what happened and identify those responsible.
The development comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties expected to intensify consultations, mobilisation and political engagements across the country.
Kwankwaso warned that incidents capable of restricting the movement and political activities of opposition candidates could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions, urging authorities to take swift steps to protect political freedoms.