Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kwankwaso National Network, a political group affiliated with the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has issued a stern warning that "nothing must happen" to the party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following the reported obstruction of his convoy in Benue State on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The group has demanded an immediate and transparent investigation into the incident, cautioning that any attempt to trivialise the development could have serious implications for Nigeria's democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The incident occurred while Obi was travelling to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area to commiserate with victims of recent deadly attacks in the community. Videos circulating on social media showed a large crowd, some wielding sticks, barricading Gboko Road in Makurdi near the Nigerian Air Force Base, forcing the former Anambra State governor's convoy to a halt. The protesters were heard chanting against Obi and demanding that he leave the state. Obi subsequently alleged that the youths were led by an aide to Governor Hyacinth Alia. He expressed shock that a purely humanitarian mission could be obstructed, stating, "I have been standing here for a while now, thinking they would come to their senses, but it is not happening. We cannot have a country like this. It doesn't make sense to me. The rascality they are bringing into this country is totally unacceptable".
In a statement by its South-East Zonal Coordinator, Dr Ukpai Iro Ukpai, KNN described the incident as "barbaric, dangerous and totally unacceptable". The group insisted that no political disagreement could justify exposing a presidential candidate to violence. "Nothing must happen to Peter Obi. Nothing must happen to any presidential candidate. The security and safety of every political actor must be guaranteed, irrespective of party, tribe or religion," the statement read. KNN urged security agencies to immediately investigate the incident, identify those behind the alleged obstruction, and prosecute anyone found culpable.
The group criticised the explanation attributed to Governor Alia that Obi did not notify the state government ahead of his visit, arguing that even if Obi had failed to notify the government, such a failure could not justify the alleged use of thugs to obstruct his movement. KNN said the issue went beyond Obi, stressing that the safety of presidential candidates was a matter of national security and democratic integrity. It warned that any harm to Obi could heighten political tensions and deepen distrust ahead of the 2027 elections. "Peter Obi commands a huge following across Nigeria, particularly among young people. Any attempt to harm him, intimidate him or prevent him from freely moving around the country will not be seen as an attack on one man alone. It will be interpreted by millions of Nigerians as an attack on their political rights and democratic space," the group said.
Senator Kwankwaso, the NDC vice-presidential candidate, also condemned the attack in a statement shared on his official X handle, describing the deliberate mobilisation of "unruly elements" to block Obi's convoy as "another dark day for our democracy". He stressed that freedom of movement is guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and should be respected regardless of political affiliation. "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," Kwankwaso said. He urged the Benue State Government to urgently identify and prosecute those responsible, and to guarantee the safety and free movement of Obi and his entourage.
Kwankwaso further appealed to President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors, particularly those elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, against actions capable of undermining Nigeria's democracy. He also called on the international community to take note of the incident and encourage Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect opposition leaders, and safeguard democratic freedoms.
The Benue State Government, however, has denied any involvement in the incident. In a statement by Chief Press Secretary Sir Tersoo Kula, the government described Obi's allegation as unfounded and accused him of attempting to drag Governor Alia into what it described as a possible internal political dispute within the NDC. The government maintained that Obi was not considered a threat to the governor or the state, stressing that security agencies, rather than political thugs, would be responsible for dealing with any security concerns. The government questioned why Obi allegedly arrived in the state without formally notifying relevant security authorities of his movement.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed that it had prior information about Obi's visit and had provided security for him. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with the Northern States Christian Elders Forum urging President Tinubu to call Governor Alia to order, declaring that "democracy is not madness and politics is not war". As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, the blockade of Obi's convoy has raised urgent questions about the safety of political candidates and the integrity of the democratic process in Nigeria.
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