The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) had called on the police authorities to investigate the Tuesday’s blockade of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi by some armed youths in Benue State.
In a statement on Wednesday by Anthony Ehilebo, Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication to the APM presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, the party charged the police to ensure the apprehension and prosecution of persons involved.
“Setting up roadblocks and engaging thugs to stop opposition candidates have no place in a constitutional democracy,” the APM said.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful electoral process, but warned that it would not be intimidated by attempts to frustrate opposition participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We shall not be deterred or cowed by the antics of those who seek to make peaceful participation impossible,” the statement said.
The party condemned the obstruction of Obi’s convoy,
describing the incident as evidence of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s alleged desperation “to silence opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
The APM said Obi’s convoy was allegedly blocked by suspected state-sponsored thugs while he was on his way to Yelwata to visit families affected by recent killings.
The party described the incident as “deeply disturbing and totally unacceptable,” saying that it represented “a new low” in the ruling APC’s efforts to stifle opposition leaders.
It said the development was particularly disturbing because it occurred barely 24 hours after Obi joined other opposition leaders at the inauguration of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office in Abuja on Monday.
According to the APM, the APC was rattled by recent political developments and had resorted to “intimidation, harassment, and the unlawful obstruction” of opposition parties and their leaders.
The opposition party also rejected the explanation reportedly given by the Benue State Government, that Obi failed to obtain prior permission before visiting the state.
Citing Sections 40 and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the APM said Nigerians had the right to freedom of movement, assembly and association.
“We therefore find the statement credited to the Benue State Government, that the NDC presidential candidate did not seek prior permission from the state government before his visit, completely unacceptable and condemnable,” the statement said.
The party added: “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.”