The Vice Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has condemned the blockade of the convoy of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his journey to Benue State.
Kwankwaso, in a post on his official X handle on Tuesday, described the incident as a threat to democracy and called on the Benue State Government to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The former Governor of Kano State said the alleged mobilisation of people to block Obi’s convoy and prevent him from entering Makurdi was a “dark day for our democracy.”
Kwankwaso said, “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 urged the Benue State Government to ensure the safety and free movement of Obi and members of his entourage.
“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.
He urged them to encourage Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect opposition leaders and safeguard democratic freedoms.
It had earlier reported that Obi was prevented from proceeding in Benue after protesters barricaded Gboko Road in Makurdi, the state capital.
The protesters, chanting “We don’t want Peter Obi,” blocked the road near the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport for hours, disrupting traffic as Obi’s convoy was held back.
Speaking at the scene in a video posted by News Central Television via its X page on Tuesday, Obi said he had travelled to Benue to condole with victims of killings in the state but was stopped on the orders of a government aide.
He described the blockade as unacceptable and accused those behind it of exploiting hungry, insecure youths for political ends.
Obi said the protesters had been mobilised without regard for the consequences.
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