Setting Up Roadblocks For Opposition Has No Place In Democracy – Makinde Slams Obi’s Convoy Blockade

Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, Seyi Makinde, has condemned the blockade of the convoy of the Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr. Peter Obi, in Benue State.

Makinde, speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Anthony Ehilebo, described the act as a desperate move by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to silence the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The APM candidate also called for an immediate investigation into the matter, alleging that the APC had become jittery over the solidarity shown to him by other opposition presidential candidates, including Obi, during the launch of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office.

“We strongly condemn the unwarranted obstruction of the convoy of the Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

“The incident, in which Mr. Obi’s convoy was obstructed by a group of suspected state-sponsored thugs on his way to Yelwata to visit families affected by the tragic killings in the area, is deeply disturbing and totally unacceptable,” Makinde said.

He described the development as “a new low in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s desperation to stifle opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“It is particularly worrisome that this targeted attack came barely 24 hours after Mr. Peter Obi joined other notable opposition leaders to show solidarity with our principal, the Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Engr. Seyi Makinde, at the inauguration of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office.”

Makinde said the ruling APC is rattled by recent political developments, “leading them to resort to barbaric tactics, including intimidation, harassment, and the unlawful obstruction of the legitimate activities of opposition parties and leaders.”

He said the constitution guarantees every citizen freedom of movement, condemning the response of the Benue State Government.

“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.

“Setting up roadblocks and engaging thugs to stop opposition candidates have no place in a constitutional democracy,” he added.

“We demand that the Nigerian Police immediately commence a full-scale investigation into this unfortunate incident and bring the culprits to book in the interest of our democracy.”