Amnesty Raises Alarm Over Alleged Blocking of Peter Obi’s Entry Into Benue

By Philippine Duru

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Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the alleged use of political thugs to prevent the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Ob, from entering Benue State, describing the incident as a dangerous threat to Nigeria’s democratic process.

In a statement posted on its social media platforms, the organisation said the alleged obstruction of Obi’s entourage on Gboko Road in Makurdi, the state capital, amounted to political repression and raised serious questions for the Benue State Government.

Amnesty stressed that no Nigerian requires permission or prior notification to visit any part of the country, insisting that no state should become a “no-go area” for supporters or candidates of any political party.

According to the organisation, heavily armed youths allegedly barricaded the road in what appeared to be a coordinated action that placed Obi’s entourage at risk.

“Harassment of rival candidates by state-endorsed armed vigilante groups or thugs is unlawful,” Amnesty said.

The organisation warned that growing political intolerance, incitement and other actions capable of undermining democracy must be urgently addressed ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amnesty said it had, since last year, documented what it described as disturbing levels of political repression, including alleged attempts to prevent hotels from hosting opposition political meetings and attacks on the activities of rival political parties.

It also expressed concern over what it described as inadequate efforts by the Nigerian Government and relevant authorities to prevent political repression and violence.

The rights organisation further alleged that some states were adopting an unannounced policy of using various means to shut out political opposition, while authorities had failed to investigate and prosecute suspected perpetrators of such incidents.

Amnesty called on all political parties and candidates to make opposition to violence and political thuggery an integral part of their election campaigns.

The organisation said urgent steps were needed to ensure a level playing field and protect citizens’ rights to participate freely in Nigeria’s democratic process.