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.
Kwankwaso described the incident as a disturbing development and called on President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors, particularly those of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), against actions capable of undermining democratic freedoms.
The former Kano State governor made his position known in a statement posted on his official X handle on Tuesday.
Kwankwaso said he was “deeply disturbed” by reports that Obi’s convoy was attacked while the presidential candidate was travelling to Benue State.
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“I am deeply disturbed by the attack on the convoy of our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as he travelled to Benue State,” he said.
According to him, the alleged mobilisation of individuals to obstruct Obi’s movement and prevent him from entering Makurdi represented a troubling 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,” Kwankwaso stated.
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He argued that freedom of movement is guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and should be enjoyed by every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation or status.
Kwankwaso stressed that Obi, as a former governor and prominent opposition figure, should not be prevented from travelling to any part of the country.
He therefore called on the Benue State Government to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that they face prosecution.
“I urge the Benue State Government to swiftly identify and prosecute those responsible, while ensuring adequate protection for Peter Obi and his entourage,” he said.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate also appealed directly to President Tinubu to caution state governors against conduct that could restrict political freedoms or weaken democratic institutions.
“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.
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Kwankwaso further urged the international community, diplomatic missions and election observation organisations to take note of the reported incident.
He called on relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety and freedom of movement of opposition politicians across the country.
The reported incident occurred as Obi travelled to Benue State amid renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of the state.
The former Anambra State governor had visited communities affected by recent attacks in Benue in August, where he called for stronger efforts by the Federal Government to protect lives and property.
Reports on Tuesday indicated that suspected thugs allegedly blocked Obi’s convoy while he was travelling in the state.
Details surrounding the incident, including the identities and motives of those allegedly involved, were still emerging as of Tuesday.
The development has nevertheless triggered fresh concerns about political freedom, security and the treatment of opposition figures ahead of Nigeria’s next electoral cycle.
