By Chiamaka Abia
The Kwankwaso National Network, KNN, South-East zone, has demanded an immediate and transparent investigation into the reported obstruction of Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue State, warning that “nothing must happen” to the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.
The group said the incident, which occurred as Obi was travelling to Yelwata to commiserate with victims of recent attacks, raised serious concerns about the safety of political candidates and the credibility of the 2027 electoral process.
Obi’s convoy was reportedly blocked by youths along the Makurdi-Gboko road on Tuesday, with videos circulating online showing a group of youths wielding sticks and preventing the convoy from proceeding.
Obi alleged that an aide to Governor Hyacinth Alia was behind the obstruction, an allegation the Benue State Government has denied, saying it was unaware of the visit and rejecting suggestions of official involvement.
Reacting in a statement by its South-East Zonal Coordinator, Dr Ukpai Iro Ukpai, KNN described the incident as “barbaric, dangerous and totally unacceptable”, insisting that political disagreements must never be allowed to endanger candidates.
The group said: “Nothing must happen to Peter Obi. Nothing must happen to any presidential candidate. The security and safety of every political actor must be guaranteed, irrespective of party, tribe or religion.”
KNN called on security agencies to establish what happened, identify those responsible and prosecute anyone found culpable.
Ukpai said: “There can be no excuse for failing to investigate what happened. The videos are already in the public domain. Nigerians deserve to know who organised the obstruction and why a presidential candidate was prevented from proceeding with his visit in broad daylight.”
The group also rejected the argument that failure to notify the state government of Obi’s visit, if established, could justify the obstruction of his convoy.
KNN said any concerns over protocol or notification should be handled through lawful and peaceful channels rather than through confrontation on the road.
It stressed that the incident should be viewed beyond the political interests of Obi or any particular party, describing the protection of presidential candidates as a matter of national security and democratic integrity.
According to the group, the 2027 electioneering period must not become an environment in which political actors are prevented from travelling, meeting supporters or engaging communities because of their political affiliations.
KNN said: “Peter Obi has a significant following across Nigeria, particularly among young people. Any attempt to intimidate or restrict his movement would inevitably deepen political distrust and could heighten tensions in an already sensitive pre-election environment.”
The organisation consequently urged the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen security arrangements for Obi and other presidential, governorship and legislative candidates as political activities intensify.
It said all candidates should be allowed to move freely, interact with voters and campaign in accordance with the law and the electoral timetable.
KNN also appealed to political parties and their supporters to reject violence, warning against the use of youths as instruments of political confrontation.
“Nigeria cannot afford a situation where political differences degenerate into intimidation or violence. Political contests must be decided by ideas, campaigns and votes, not by force or threats,” the group said.
It further urged Nigerian youths to resist recruitment into political violence, arguing that young people should channel their energy into civic participation and the defence of democratic values.
KNN said: “Our youths must refuse to become instruments of political violence. They should demand accountability from political leaders and insist that their votes, rather than violence, determine who governs them.”
The group urged security agencies to remain professional and impartial throughout the electioneering period, insisting that the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend not only on the conduct of the polls but also on whether candidates were able to campaign freely and safely before election day.
“The credibility of the 2027 election will depend not only on what happens on election day, but also on whether every candidate is allowed to campaign freely, safely and without intimidation before Nigerians go to the polls,” KNN said.
