APM Candidate Demands Police Probe, Says Roadblocks and Political Intimidation Have No Place in Democracy
Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has condemned the blockade of the convoy of Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State.
Obi was in the state on Tuesday for his 2027 campaign and to visit Yelewata, where he was scheduled to commiserate with families affected by the June 2025 killings.
His convoy was reportedly blocked by youths on the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway, causing traffic congestion and preventing the team from proceeding to the community.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Anthony Ehilebo, Governor Makinde described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and condemned what he described as the obstruction of Obi’s convoy by suspected state-sponsored thugs.
He alleged that the incident reflected an attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.
Governor Makinde noted that the incident occurred less than 24 hours after Obi joined opposition leaders at the inauguration of the Governor Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office on Monday.
He cited Sections 40 and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee freedom of association and the right of citizens to move freely and reside in any part of Nigeria.
The APM candidate rejected the argument that Obi required prior permission from the state government to visit Benue, saying Nigerians have a constitutional right to move across the country and engage in legitimate activities.
Governor Makinde urged the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a full investigation into the incident and prosecute those found responsible.
He said his campaign remained committed to a peaceful electoral process but would not be intimidated by actions aimed at restricting the participation of opposition candidates.