The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has waded into the escalating political tension surrounding the recent obstruction of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi in Benue State, demanding an immediate and thorough police investigation into the incident.
In an official statement released by Anthony Ehilebo, Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication for the APM presidential campaign, the party condemned the blockade as a desperate attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi’s convoy was intercepted along the Gboko-Makurdi Expressway by a stick-wielding crowd as he attempted to travel to Yelwata to commiserate with families and victims affected by deadly community attacks. Highlighting that the hostility came barely 24 hours after Obi publicly supported Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde during a campaign office launch in Abuja, the APM suggested the ruling party is deeply rattled by emerging opposition solidarity.
The campaign organization also fiercely rejected justifications reportedly floated by the Benue State Government claiming that Obi failed to secure prior permission before entering the state. Citing Sections 40 and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the party emphasized that freedom of movement and assembly remain absolute rights.
“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,” the statement read.
The APM has called on the Nigeria Police Force and security agencies to track down, unmask, and prosecute all sponsors and perpetrators involved in the breakdown of law and order, warning that political actors must not be allowed to normalize thuggery as the country marches toward the 2027 ballot.
