Benue Convoy Crisis: Kwara NDC Candidate Demands Probe, Warns Against Political Intimidation

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ilorin East/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Comrade Ibraheem Alfa Abdulrasheed Gbagba, has condemned the reported obstruction and attack on the convoy of the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State.
Gbagba, who is also the Obidient Coordinator/Leader in Kwara State, described the incident as a disturbing development that raises serious questions about political tolerance, freedom of movement and the safety of opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued following the incident, Gbagba said it was “ridiculous and completely unacceptable” for opposition politicians to allegedly face roadblocks, intimidation and harassment while carrying out legitimate political activities.
He argued that Nigeria’s public roads belong to all citizens and should not be turned into instruments for political intimidation or partisan confrontation.
According to him, the reported incident should not be dismissed as an ordinary political disagreement, particularly at a time when political activities are intensifying ahead of the 2027 elections.
Gbagba cited Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right of Nigerian citizens to move freely throughout the country, and Section 40, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association, including participation in political parties.
He said any attempt to prevent a political candidate from freely moving within the country or meeting citizens constitutes a serious threat to democratic participation if established.
The NDC candidate was particularly critical of allegations that persons with political connections may have been behind the reported obstruction.
“If it is true that this attack was carried out with the backing of those in power, then it is deeply troubling and must be investigated immediately,” he said.
Gbagba, however, stopped short of declaring any individual or government agency responsible for the incident, insisting that the appropriate authorities must establish the facts through a transparent investigation.
He called on the Benue State Government to publicly condemn the incident and guarantee the safety of Obi and other political actors operating within the state.
He equally challenged the security agencies to identify those responsible for the reported attack and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law, irrespective of political affiliation.
The Kwara NDC candidate warned that allowing political disagreements to degenerate into physical confrontation could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s democratic process.
He said the 2027 elections should be contested through ideas, policies, campaigns and votes rather than intimidation, obstruction or violence.
Gbagba further appealed to political parties, their supporters and state authorities to respect the rights of opposition candidates and supporters, stressing that democracy cannot function effectively where citizens are prevented from freely expressing their political choices.
He maintained that the reported incident should serve as a warning to all political actors that Nigeria cannot afford a return to an era in which political differences are settled through threats and physical confrontation.
“Benue people, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve leadership that protects citizens and respects their constitutional rights, not one that harasses and humiliates them,” he said.
Gbagba reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful democratic engagement and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant in defending the rule of law, freedom of movement and political association as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.