The OK Movement, a political platform backing the joint presidential ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, has described its decision to prevent an immediate reprisal following an alleged attack on Obi in Benue State as an intentional demonstration of responsible leadership.
The group strongly condemned what it described as the attack and obstruction of Obi by suspected thugs during his visit to the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the movement warned that its restraint should not be repeatedly tested or mistaken for an inability to respond.
In a statement signed by its National Director General, Hon. John Ughulu, the group stressed that every presidential aspirant and political leader has a constitutional and legal right to visit and campaign across Nigeria.
It maintained that neither state governments, political parties nor individuals have the right to use violence or thuggery to intimidate, harass or prevent legitimate political activities.
The OK Movement, comprising supporters from the Obidient Movement and Kwankwasiyya, said it opted for peace after the incident because it recognised Nigeria as a country belonging to everyone and did not want political provocation to trigger unnecessary clashes among its supporters.
The group also appealed to the international community, diplomatic missions, election observers and democracy-monitoring organisations to pay close attention to cases of political violence and intimidation as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections.
The statement read:
“The OK Movement strongly condemns the disturbing incident that occurred in Benue State on Tuesday morning, during the visit of His Excellency, Peter Obi.
“We are deeply concerned by reports that individuals allegedly mobilised by elements within the state government attacked or attempted to disrupt the convoy of H.E. Peter Obi during his legitimate political engagement in the state. If established, such conduct is completely unacceptable and represents a dangerous assault on democratic values, political tolerance and the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens.
“Let it be clearly understood: Peter Obi, like every other presidential aspirant and political leader, has a legal and constitutional right to visit and campaign in every part of Nigeria. No state government, political party or individual has the authority to intimidate, harass or obstruct a legitimate political movement through violence or thuggery.
“We also want to make one point absolutely clear concerning the conduct of the OK Movement Security Team.
“The fact that our security personnel exercised restraint in the face of provocation should never be interpreted as weakness, fear or lack of capacity. Our decision to restrain our people was a deliberate act of leadership and responsibility. We chose peace because we understand that Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we will not allow political provocation to push our supporters into unnecessary confrontation.
“Restraint is not weakness. Restraint is discipline. However, we will not tolerate a situation where such restraint is repeatedly tested or exploited. The OK Movement has the capacity and organisational structures necessary to protect its members and maintain order within the limits of the law. We will continue to act responsibly, but we will also take every lawful and necessary countermeasure available to us whenever the safety of our leaders and members is threatened.
“We therefore issue a clear warning against any further attempt to use political thuggery, intimidation or state-sponsored violence to frustrate the legitimate activities of the OK Movement or any other political movement.
“This is not the Nigeria we want to build. Democracy cannot survive where political opponents are attacked simply because they choose to visit or campaign in a particular state. Elections should be won through ideas, competence, persuasion and the votes of the people not through intimidation, violence or political thuggery.
“We call on the security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the Benue incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable under the law, regardless of political affiliation or position.
“We equally call on the international community, diplomatic missions, election observers and democracy monitoring organisations to take note of incidents of political violence and intimidation in Nigeria as we approach the 2027 general elections.
“The Federal Government and all relevant authorities must understand that Nigerians and the international community are watching. We strongly hold the government accountable for protecting the constitutional rights, safety and freedom of every political actor and citizen.
“The OK Movement remains committed to peaceful democratic participation, but our commitment to peace must never be mistaken for surrender. We will defend democracy. We will protect our people within the law. We will resist intimidation.
“And we will never accept political violence as a substitute for democracy. Nigeria belongs to all of us.”
