The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate the alleged blockage of the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State.
The party also urged authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible for the incident, which it described as an attempt to intimidate opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the APM, suspected state-sponsored thugs allegedly stopped Obi’s convoy on Tuesday while he was travelling to Yelwata to visit families affected by the deadly attack on the community.
The attack, which occurred on June 13, 2026, reportedly left hundreds of residents dead and injured, with an anniversary report putting the death toll at more than 271.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Anthony Ehilebo, Special Adviser on Media and Communication to APM presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde, the party described the alleged incident as “deeply disturbing and totally unacceptable.”
Ehilebo linked the development to recent political activities, noting that it occurred less than 24 hours after Obi joined opposition leaders in expressing support for Makinde at the opening of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office in Abuja.
The APM accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of employing intimidation and harassment tactics to frustrate opposition activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party also rejected the Benue State Government’s explanation that Obi did not obtain prior permission before visiting the state.
Ehilebo cited Sections 40 and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee citizens’ rights to freedom of movement and peaceful assembly and association.
“Every Nigerian, presidential candidate or otherwise, has a constitutionally guaranteed right to enter, live and move freely within any state in Nigeria to conduct legitimate activities without prior permission or notice,” he said.
He further argued that “setting up roadblocks and engaging thugs to stop opposition candidates have no place in a constitutional democracy.”
The APM therefore urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring anyone found culpable to justice.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful elections, stressing that intimidation and harassment should not be allowed to undermine political participation ahead of the 2027 polls.
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