The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned the reported attack on the convoy of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as he travelled to Benue State.
Kwankwaso expressed concern over the incident, alleging that unruly elements were deliberately mobilised to block and attack Obi’s convoy and prevent him from entering Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
He described the development as “another dark day for our democracy” and called on the relevant authorities to urgently investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
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“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 said.
He stressed that freedom of movement is guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and should be respected regardless of political affiliation.
According to him, the constitutional right applies to every citizen, including Obi, whom he described as a former governor and leading opposition figure.
“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,” he said.
Kwankwaso urged the Benue State Government to urgently identify and prosecute those responsible for the alleged attack.
He also called on the state government to ensure the safety and unhindered movement of Obi and members of his entourage.
“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,” Kwankwaso said.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate 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.
“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 said.
Kwankwaso also called on the international community, including diplomatic missions and election observation groups, to take note of the incident and encourage Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law.
He urged international stakeholders to pay attention to the protection of opposition politicians and the preservation of democratic freedoms as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“I also call on the international community, including diplomatic missions and election observation groups, to take note of this incident and to urge Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect opposition leaders, and safeguard democratic freedoms,” he added.
