Benue blockade: Why Obi’s supporters, security didn’t retaliate — OK movement

The OK Movement, a political platform mobilising support for the joint ticket of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, has explained why its security personnel did not retaliate when Obi’s convoy was allegedly blocked during his visit to Benue State.

The Director-General and founder of the movement, John Ughulu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.

The movement, which brings together supporters drawn from the Obidient movement, Kwankwasiyya, the New Nigeria People’s Party and the African Democratic Congress, condemned the disruption of Obi’s visit and called for an impartial investigation into the incident.

Ughulu said its members deliberately exercised restraint to prevent the incident from escalating into a confrontation, stressing that the decision was based on its commitment to peace and responsible political participation.

He said, “We want to make one point absolutely clear concerning the conduct of the OK Movement Security Team. The fact that our security personnel exercised restraint in the face of provocation should never be interpreted as weakness, fear or lack of capacity.

“Our decision to restrain our people was a deliberate act of leadership and responsibility. We chose peace because we understand that Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we will not allow political provocation to push our supporters into unnecessary confrontation.

“Restraint is not weakness. Restraint is discipline.”

The DG stressed that Obi, as a presidential candidate, had the constitutional right to visit any part of the country for political engagements.

“Let it be clearly understood: Peter Obi, like every other presidential aspirant and political leader, has a legal and constitutional right to visit and campaign in every part of Nigeria.

“No state government, political party or individual has the authority to intimidate, harass or obstruct a legitimate political movement through violence or thuggery,” he stressed.

Ughulu, however, warned that it would take lawful measures to protect its members if what it described as provocation continued.

He said, “However, we will not tolerate a situation where such restraint is repeatedly tested or exploited. The OK Movement has the capacity and organisational structures necessary to protect its members and maintain order within the limits of the law.

“We will continue to act responsibly, but we will also take every lawful and necessary countermeasure available to us whenever the safety of our leaders and members is threatened.

“We therefore issue a clear warning against any further attempt to use political thuggery, intimidation or state-sponsored violence to frustrate the legitimate activities of the OK Movement or any other political movement. This is not the Nigeria we want to build.”

Ughulu urged security agencies to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable.

He also warned against the use of political thuggery and intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We call on the security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the Benue incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable under the law, regardless of political affiliation or position.

“Democracy cannot survive where political opponents are attacked simply because they choose to visit or campaign in a particular state. Elections should be won through ideas, competence, persuasion and the votes of the people, not through intimidation, violence or political thuggery,” he said.

“We equally call on the international community, diplomatic missions, election observers and democracy monitoring organisations to take note of incidents of political violence and intimidation in Nigeria as we approach the 2027 general elections.’

Ughulu’s concerns came two days after Obi and the Benue State Government traded blame over the disruption of his planned visit to Yelwata, where the former Anambra State governor said he intended to condole with families of victims of a deadly attack on the community.

Obi’s convoy was reportedly stopped on Gboko Road, near the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport, after youths barricaded the road and chanted, “We don’t want Peter Obi.”

The development disrupted traffic in the area and eventually forced Obi’s convoy to return to the airport, from where he travelled back to Abuja.
Obi accused suspected hired thugs, allegedly acting on the instructions of a government aide, of blocking his movement.

The Benue State Government, however, denied involvement, saying Obi did not follow the required protocol by formally notifying the government of his visit. The government also accused the presidential candidate of attempting to create a political controversy from the incident.

The conflicting claims came as the Benue State Police Command confirmed that it was aware of Obi’s visit and had deployed personnel to provide security for his movement.

The police said it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the stoppage of Obi’s convoy and the identity of those responsible.

The OK Movement leader, however, said despite the confrontation, it remained committed to peaceful democratic participation.

He said, “We remain committed to peaceful democratic participation, but our commitment to peace must never be mistaken for surrender.

“We will defend democracy. We will protect our people within the law. We will resist intimidation, and we will never accept political violence as a substitute for democracy. Nigeria belongs to all of us.

“The Federal Government and all relevant authorities must understand that Nigerians and the international community are watching. We strongly hold the government accountable for protecting the constitutional rights, safety and freedom of every political actor and citizen.”