General News
Blockade Of Obi’s Convoy An Affront To Democracy — Ijebor
By David Odama
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Engr. Anselm Ijebor, has condemned the attack on the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benue State, describing the incident as an invitation to anarchy and alleging that youths were sponsored to block and attack him.
It would be recalled that Peter Obi was travelling to Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, to visit families affected by the June 2025 killings.
Ijebor, in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Friday, said the attack on the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was an indication of the desperation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration to silence opposition parties, especially Peter Obi and the NDC, ahead of the 2027 elections.
He further described the incident as a disgraceful assault on democracy and a direct affront to the constitutional rights of Nigerians.
Ijebor stressed that no individual, group or government has the authority to deny any Nigerian access to any part of the country on account of political affiliation.
The PDP chieftain warned that preventing a presidential candidate from entering a state was an “invitation to anarchy” as the country heads into an electoral season.
The major opposition PDP chieftain also condemned the alleged action of the Benue State Governor, saying the youths of the area not only violated Obi’s constitutional right to freedom of movement but also signified a move to silence opposition parties from active participation in the 2027 elections, as well as reducing the nation’s hard-earned democracy to personal interest.
“Restricting a citizen of Peter Obi from entering a state such as Benue is a flagrant violation of the 1999 Constitution as amended. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must call APC governors, contestants and other stakeholders to order.”
“Benue State is already bleeding over constant terrorists’ attacks, sponsoring youths to block and attack Obi’s convoy is a misplaced aggression and height of rasality,” the statement stated.
The alleged attack, if not properly addressed, was particularly troubling given Benue’s worsening security situation, Ijebor said, adding that the incident must not be allowed to undermine democratic participation.
While commending the police for arresting over 46 suspects, Ijebor urged a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators and their alleged sponsors.