Nothing must happen to Obi – Kwankwaso group demands probe of Benue attack
By Steve Oko
The Kwankwaso National Network, KNN, South-East zone, has warned that “nothing must happen” to the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, following the reported obstruction of his convoy in Benue State.
The group also demanded an immediate and transparent investigation into Tuesday’s incident, warning that any attempt to trivialise the development could have serious implications for Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi’s convoy was reportedly blocked by a group of youths on the Makurdi-Gboko Road while he was travelling to Yelwata to commiserate with victims of recent attacks in the community.
Videos circulating online showed youths wielding sticks and blocking the road, forcing the former Anambra State governor’s convoy to stop.
While Obi alleged that an aide to Governor Hyacinth Alia led the mob, the Benue State Government denied knowledge of the visit and rejected any suggestion of government involvement, describing the allegation as unfounded.
Reacting to the development in a statement by its South-East Zonal Coordinator, Dr Ukpai Iro Ukpai, KNN described the incident as “barbaric, dangerous and totally unacceptable”.
The group said no political disagreement could justify exposing a presidential candidate to violence.
“Nothing must happen to Peter Obi. Nothing must happen to any presidential candidate. The security and safety of every political actor must be guaranteed, irrespective of party, tribe or religion,” it said.
KNN urged security agencies to immediately investigate the incident, identify those behind the alleged obstruction and prosecute anyone found culpable.
Ukpai said it was disturbing that such an incident could occur in broad daylight and involve a former governor and presidential candidate at a time political activities ahead of the 2027 elections were gathering momentum.
“There can be no excuse for failing to fish out those behind this attack. The videos are already in the public domain. Nigerians want to know who mobilised the youths, who sponsored them and why they were allowed to block the convoy of a presidential candidate in broad daylight,” he said.
The group also criticised the explanation attributed to Governor Alia that Obi did not notify the state government ahead of his visit.
KNN argued that even if Obi had failed to notify the government, such a failure could not justify the alleged use of thugs to obstruct his movement.
The group said the issue went beyond Obi, stressing that the safety of presidential candidates was a matter of national security and democratic integrity.
According to KNN, Obi has emerged as a prominent opposition figure with a significant support base since his 2023 presidential campaign.
It warned that any harm to him could heighten political tensions and deepen distrust ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Peter Obi commands a huge following across Nigeria, particularly among young people. Any attempt to harm him, intimidate him or prevent him from freely moving around the country will not be seen as an attack on one man alone. It will be interpreted by millions of Nigerians as an attack on their political rights and democratic space,” the group said.
KNN consequently urged the Federal Government and security agencies to provide adequate security for Obi and other presidential, governorship and legislative candidates as political activities intensify.
It said all candidates should be allowed to travel freely, interact with voters and campaign in accordance with the electoral timetable and relevant laws.
The group also cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, against allowing political disagreements to undermine the democratic process.
“Nigeria cannot afford a situation where political thuggery becomes the instrument for deciding who can enter a state, who can campaign and who can speak to the people. That is a dangerous road to take,” it warned.
KNN further urged political parties and their supporters to avoid violence and intimidation, saying the 2027 elections should be based on issues, policies and the choices of voters.
It said its members, alongside other pro-democracy groups, would oppose attempts to use violence to influence the electoral process, while urging supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
The group also called on Nigerian youths to reject recruitment into political violence, arguing that politicians who allegedly encourage thuggery often do not expose their own children to such risks.
“Our youths must refuse to be political foot soldiers. They must unite against bad leadership, reject electoral violence and insist on a system where their votes, not violence, determine who governs them,” KNN said.
KNN urged security agencies to remain professional, impartial and proactive in protecting political actors throughout the electioneering period.
It said the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend not only on the conduct of the polls but also on whether candidates were allowed to campaign freely and safely before election day.
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