NDC Legislators demand probe of Peter Obi’s blockade in Benue

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Legislators Forum has condemned the reported blockade of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benue State, calling on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately commence an investigation into the incident.

The Forum said the probe should establish what transpired during Obi’s visit to Benue State on Tuesday and identify those behind the alleged obstruction of his movement.

Obi was billed to visit Yelwata, a community, which was recently devastated by deadly attacks, to commiserate with victims and their families.

In a statement signed by Hon. Uko Nkole on behalf of the Forum, the legislators described the reported incident as “deeply disturbing and totally unacceptable” in a democracy.

The Forum expressed concern over allegations that the youths involved were sponsored by persons linked to the Benue State Government, while noting the government’s denial of the allegation.

It said the circumstances surrounding the incident made an independent and transparent investigation imperative.

The legislators also questioned who had the authority to determine who could visit a Nigerian community, insisting that no individual, political party or government had a monopoly over the political space in Benue State or anywhere in the country.

The Forum stressed that with the ban on electioneering lifted and political parties already campaigning ahead of the 2027 elections, political competition must not become a licence for intimidation, thuggery or harassment.

It warned that what happened to Obi could happen to any political actor, saying that allowing such a trend to continue would threaten the freedom and safety of candidates across the country.

The Forum therefore urged the police and DSS to investigate the matter thoroughly, establish the facts and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full weight of the law.

It reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful politics, democratic freedoms and a 2027 electoral process in which every candidate can campaign freely and Nigerians can exercise their political rights without fear.

The Forum declared: “Nigeria belongs to all of us, not to political thugs, not to governments, and certainly not to those who mistake power for ownership.”

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