Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has condemned the reported attack on the convoy of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benue State, urging President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors against actions capable of undermining democratic freedoms.
Kwankwaso made the call in a statement posted on his official X handle on Tuesday, describing the reported incident as a disturbing development and demanding that those responsible be identified and prosecuted.
“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 mobilisation of thugs to obstruct Obi’s movement and prevent him from entering Makurdi represented a worrying development for Nigeria’s democracy.
“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,” he said.
Kwankwaso argued that freedom of movement is guaranteed by the Constitution and should be enjoyed by all citizens, including Obi, whom he described as a former governor and leading opposition figure.
He called on the Benue State Government to ensure that those behind the reported attack were “swiftly identified and prosecuted”, while demanding adequate security for Obi and members of his entourage.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate also directed his appeal at President Tinubu, urging him to caution state governors, particularly those elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), against conduct that could undermine democratic 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 added.
Kwankwaso further called on the international community, diplomatic missions and election observation groups to take note of the reported incident and encourage Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure the protection of opposition leaders.
The reported incident occurred as Obi travelled to Benue amid renewed concerns over insecurity in the state. The former Anambra governor had visited communities affected by recent attacks in the state in August, where he called for stronger efforts by the Federal Government to protect lives and property.
Reports on Tuesday alleged that suspected thugs blocked Obi’s convoy while he was travelling through the state. Details surrounding the incident, however, were still emerging at the time of the statement.
Kwankwaso’s intervention adds to growing political concerns over the treatment of opposition figures and the conduct of political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections.
