KWANKWASO SLAMS BLOCKADE OF OBI’S CONVOY

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By:Tajudeen Aminat

Former Kano State Governor and National Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has condemned the reported blockade of the convoy of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his trip to Benue State.

Kwankwaso, in a statement posted on his official X handle on Tuesday, described the incident as a serious threat to democratic freedoms and called on the Benue State Government to identify and prosecute those responsible.

He said the alleged mobilisation of individuals to block Obi’s convoy and prevent him from accessing Makurdi amounted to a “dark day for our democracy.”

Kwankwaso stressed that the Constitution guarantees every citizen freedom of movement, noting that the right also applies to Obi as a former governor and prominent opposition figure.

He urged the Benue State Government to take immediate steps to guarantee the safety and unhindered movement of Obi and members of his entourage.

Kwankwaso also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors, particularly those elected on the platform of the ruling party, against actions that could undermine democratic principles.

He further called on the international community, including diplomatic missions and election observation organisations, to take note of the incident and encourage Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect opposition figures and safeguard democratic freedoms.

Earlier, reports indicated that protesters barricaded Gboko Road in Makurdi, preventing Obi’s convoy from proceeding. The protesters, who reportedly chanted “We don’t want Peter Obi,” blocked the road near the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport, causing significant traffic disruption.

Speaking in a video posted by News Central Television on X, Obi said he had travelled to Benue to sympathise with victims of recent killings in the state but was stopped after the road was barricaded.

The former Anambra State governor described the development as unacceptable and alleged that the protesters had been mobilised for political purposes.

He also accused those behind the action of exploiting vulnerable youths for political interests.