‘Dark day for our democracy’ — Kwankwaso condemns blockade of Obi’s convoy

The Vice-Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has condemned the reported blockade of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his trip to Benue State.

Kwankwaso reacted to the incident in a post on his official X handle on Tuesday. He described the development as a serious concern for democracy and urged the Benue State Government to identify and prosecute those responsible.

The former Kano State governor said the alleged mobilisation of protesters to stop Obi from entering Makurdi represented a “dark day for our democracy.”

Kwankwaso said, “Authorities must remember that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of movement. This right applies even more strongly to Mr Obi, a former governor and leading opposition figure.”

He called on the Benue State Government to protect Obi and ensure that he and members of his entourage could move freely within the state.

“I further urge the President to caution state governors, particularly those in his party, against any actions that could undermine the sanctity of our democracy,” he said.

Kwankwaso also urged diplomatic missions, election observation organisations and other members of the international community to take note of the incident.

He called on them to encourage Nigerian authorities to respect the rule of law, protect opposition figures and uphold democratic freedoms.

The protesters reportedly barricaded the road near the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport for several hours. They chanted “We don’t want Peter Obi” as the blockade disrupted traffic and prevented Obi’s convoy from moving forward.

In a video shared by News Central Television on X on Tuesday, Obi said he travelled to Benue to sympathise with victims of killings in the state.

He alleged that a government aide ordered the protesters to stop his convoy and described the incident as unacceptable.

Obi also accused those behind the protest of using hungry and insecure youths for political purposes.

According to him, the protesters were mobilised without considering the possible consequences of their actions.