PRESS STATEMENT
NDC LEGISLATORS FORUM CONDEMNS BLOCKADE OF PETER OBI IN BENUE
The NDC National Legislators Forum strongly condemns the reported blockade of the party’s Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi, by suspected political thugs during his visit to Benue State on Tuesday.
Mr Obi was in the state to visit Yelwata, one of the communities devastated by recent killings, and to identify with the victims and their families. That such a humanitarian visit could be obstructed is deeply disturbing and totally unacceptable in a democracy.
The Forum is particularly concerned by reports alleging that the youths involved were sponsored by forces linked to the Benue State Government. While we note the government’s denial, the circumstances surrounding the incident demand an immediate, independent and transparent investigation.
We ask: Who has the authority to decide who may visit a Nigerian community? Who has the monopoly of political space in Benue State or anywhere in Nigeria?
The answer is clear: Nobody.
The ban on electioneering has been lifted, political parties are campaigning, and all major political actors have subscribed to the National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 elections. That commitment must mean something.
Political competition must never become an excuse for intimidation, thuggery or the use of state-linked forces to harass opponents.
What happened to Peter Obi in Benue today could happen to any political actor tomorrow. If this dangerous trend is allowed to continue, no political party or candidate will be safe.
We therefore call on the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that the law takes its course.
The NDC National Legislators Forum will not be intimidated. We remain committed to peaceful politics, democratic freedoms and a 2027 electoral process in which every candidate can campaign freely and every Nigerian can exercise his or her political rights without fear.
Nigeria belongs to all of us, not to political thugs, not to governments, and certainly not to those who mistake power for ownership.
Signed:
Rt. Hon. Uko Nkole
Abia North Senatorial Candidate
For: NDC National Legislators Forum
September 9, 2026
