The disruption of Peter Obi’s visit to Benue State has triggered another political backlash, with Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate Seyi Makinde accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of trying to intimidate opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Makinde condemned the incident involving Obi’s convoy on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, as the former Anambra State governor travelled to Yelwata to meet families affected by killings in the area. He described the reported obstruction as unacceptable and called for those responsible to be investigated and prosecuted.
The APM candidate, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Anthony Ehilebo, alleged that the men who blocked Obi’s convoy were state-sponsored political thugs. The APC and Benue State Government, however, have not been established as responsible for the alleged attack in the material provided.
Videos from the incident showed Obi’s convoy turning back as a group of men carrying objects described as stones and sticks appeared to pursue the vehicles. Police officers were also seen forming a line between the convoy and the group, although the men appeared to breach the police formation before the convoy eventually left the area.
Makinde said the incident was particularly troubling because it occurred a day after Obi attended the inauguration of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office in support of his 2027 presidential bid. He argued that the development suggested the ruling party was becoming increasingly concerned about opposition activity.
The governor accused the APC of using intimidation and harassment because of what he described as the party’s difficulty in selling President Bola Tinubu to Nigerian voters. He said such tactics had no place in a democratic system and warned that opposition parties would not be discouraged from participating in the electoral process.
Makinde also challenged the argument that Obi required permission from the Benue State Government before visiting the state. Citing Sections 40 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, he said Nigerians have rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly and movement across the country.
He urged the Nigerian Police Force to conduct a full investigation into the incident and prosecute anyone found responsible. Makinde also maintained that his campaign remained committed to a peaceful 2027 election but would not be intimidated by attempts to restrict opposition activities.
The incident has already drawn condemnation from Obi’s NDC and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. Sowore separately alleged that the Benue State Government sponsored the obstruction, while the state government has disputed the circumstances surrounding the visit. The competing claims are likely to keep the controversy alive as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 elections.
