The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has kicked against the alleged obstruction of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State on Tuesday, calling for an immediate investigation into the incident by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
It described the incident as a sign of desperation by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to stifle the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party alleged that Obi’s convoy was obstructed by suspected state-sponsored miscreants while he was travelling to Yelwata to visit families affected by the killings in the area.
The Nigerian Tribune recalls that armed herders attacked Yelwata on June 13, 2026, killing and maiming villagers.
An anniversary memorial report on the Yelwata massacre put the number of deaths at over 271.
The reaction was contained in a statement issued by Mr Anthony Ehilebo, the Special Adviser (Media and Communication) to the presidential candidate of the APM, Governor Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday.
Ehilebo said the incident was ‘deeply disturbing and totally unacceptable’, particularly as it occurred barely 24 hours after Obi joined other opposition leaders to show solidarity with Makinde at the inauguration of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office, held on Monday in Abuja.
He alleged that the APC, rattled by recent political developments, was resorting to intimidation and harassment to frustrate opposition activities ahead of the elections.
The APM also rejected the explanation by the Benue State Government that Obi had not sought prior permission before visiting the state.
Ehilebo cited Sections 41(1) and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee freedom of movement and the right to freely assemble and associate.
‘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, adding that ‘setting up roadblocks and engaging thugs to stop opposition candidates have no place in a constitutional democracy.’
The APM called on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the incident with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful electoral process, saying it would not be deterred by attempts to frustrate political participation.
‘We shall not be deterred or cowed by the antics of those who seek to make peaceful participation impossible,’ Ehilebo added.