National Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has criticised the disruption of the movement of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benue State.
Kwankwaso reacted on Tuesday through his official X account, demanding that those responsible for the incident be identified and brought to justice.
He said the reported effort to stop Obi’s convoy from gaining access to 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 appealed to the Benue State Government to take steps to protect Obi and his entourage and ensure they could move freely within the state.
“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.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate also urged foreign diplomatic missions, international organisations and election monitoring bodies to pay attention to the development.
He said such bodies should encourage the Nigerian authorities to protect democratic rights, uphold the rule of law and ensure opposition politicians are able to operate without intimidation.
Obi’s convoy had earlier been held up on Gboko Road in Makurdi after protesters reportedly barricaded the route close to the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport.
The protesters reportedly chanted “We don’t want Peter Obi” as they prevented the convoy from moving through the area.
Obi said he was visiting Benue to sympathise with victims of recent killings and not for a campaign.
He alleged that the protesters had been mobilised to stop him and accused those behind the action of using vulnerable youths for political purposes.
