Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Vice Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has condemned the alleged attack on the convoy of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his journey to Benue State.
Kwankwaso described the incident as “another dark day for our democracy,” alleging that unruly elements were deliberately mobilised to block Obi’s convoy and prevent him from entering Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
“I am deeply disturbed by the attack on the convoy of our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as he travelled to Benue State,” Kwankwaso said.
According to him, the alleged deliberate mobilisation of individuals to obstruct Obi’s movement represents a serious threat to democratic values and the rule of law.
He reminded the authorities that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to freedom of movement, stressing that the constitutional provision must be respected regardless of political affiliation.
Kwankwaso argued that the right to free movement should be accorded even greater protection in the case of Obi, whom he described as a former governor and leading opposition figure.
He called on the Benue State Government to urgently investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“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.
The NDC chieftain also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors, particularly those belonging to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), against actions or conduct that could undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions and political freedoms.
Kwankwaso further urged the international community to pay attention to the incident, particularly diplomatic missions and election observation organisations monitoring Nigeria’s democratic process.
He called on such organisations to encourage Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect opposition politicians and ensure that all political actors are able to exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation or obstruction.
According to him, protecting the freedom of movement and political participation of opposition leaders is essential to maintaining public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The statement comes amid growing political tensions as political parties and their candidates intensify mobilisation and preparations for the 2027 elections.
Kwankwaso stressed that political disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into violence, intimidation or attempts to prevent political opponents from moving freely across the country.
He maintained that all levels of government have a responsibility to protect citizens and political actors and to ensure that Nigeria’s democratic space remains open, peaceful and governed by the rule of law.
