Aondoakaa condemns attack on Peter Obi in Benue, demands probe

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has condemned the reported attack on the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, in Makurdi.

Aondoakaa, in a statement issued by his media assistant, James Ian, described the incident as an assault on democracy and the constitutional rights of Nigerians.

Obi was in Benue State on Tuesday to engage with NDC stakeholders and visit Yelewata, where scores of people were killed during an attack in June 2025.

His convoy was, however, blocked by some youths while he was heading to the community.

Aondoakaa said the Constitution guarantees Nigerians freedom of movement, association and political participation, stressing that no individual or group should prevent citizens from accessing any part of the country because of their political affiliation.

The former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice also cited President Bola Tinubu’s call for political candidates and leaders to be allowed to travel across the country and canvass for support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, attempts to obstruct or intimidate political opponents run contrary to democratic principles and the need for peaceful political competition.

Aondoakaa expressed concern that the incident could portray Benue negatively, insisting that the actions of those involved did not represent the character of the people of the state.

“Benue people are renowned for their hospitality, civility, and respect for visitors. Our state has always welcomed people from different political, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

“The attack on Mr. Peter Obi is therefore inconsistent with the true identity of our people and should be condemned by all lovers of democracy irrespective of political affiliation,” he said.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria maintained that no government should tolerate acts of thuggery, intimidation or harassment against political opponents and visitors.

He called on security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice regardless of status or political connections.

Aondoakaa also urged security agencies to guarantee the safety of political actors and other Nigerians exercising their constitutional rights.

He appealed to Benue residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding, stressing that violence, intimidation and political thuggery have no place in the state’s political future.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Government has denied involvement in the incident.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tersoo Kula, rejected allegations that the youths who blocked Obi’s convoy were acting for the government, insisting that the administration neither patronises nor deploys thugs.

The Benue State Police Command has also confirmed that some youths blocked Obi’s convoy and said an investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.