Gov Makinde condemns alleged obstruction of Obi’s convoy in Benue

By Adejayan Gbenga

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has condemned the alleged obstruction of Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), during his visit to Benue State, describing the incident as evidence of growing desperation by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to silence opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Makinde, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Suliamon Olanrewaju, described the alleged blockade as “unwarranted,” “deeply disturbing” and “totally unacceptable.”

The governor alleged that Obi’s convoy was obstructed by suspected state-sponsored thugs, describing the development as “a new low” in what he called the APC’s efforts to stifle opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 elections. He linked the incident to recent political realignments among opposition figures, including Obi’s participation in the inauguration of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office in Abuja on September 7.

Makinde argued that the alleged action was inconsistent with the principles of constitutional democracy, stressing that Nigerians have fundamental rights to freedom of movement and association. He further cited Sections 41(1) and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee freedom of movement and the right to peaceful assembly and association.

The presidential candidate also rejected the explanation reportedly given by the Benue State Government that Obi failed to obtain prior permission before visiting the state. According to Makinde, no Nigerian requires permission from a state government to enter or move freely within another state for legitimate activities, regardless of the person’s political status.

The Oyo governor warned that treating political opposition as a criminal activity could undermine Nigeria’s democratic development. He said the use of roadblocks, intimidation or alleged thugs against opposition politicians had no place in a constitutional democracy.

Makinde consequently called on the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a full-scale investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice. He said decisive action was necessary to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process and prevent political violence from becoming a feature of the 2027 electoral cycle.

While reaffirming his commitment to a peaceful electoral process, Makinde said the alleged incident would not deter opposition politicians from participating in legitimate political activities across the country. He maintained that opposition forces would remain committed to peaceful political participation despite what he described as attempts to intimidate or frustrate them ahead of the 2027 elections.