The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has condemned the reported blockade of the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi in Makurdi, the state capital.
Obi’s convoy was reportedly stopped on Tuesday along Gboko Road, around the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport axis, as he travelled to Benue to sympathise with communities affected by recent killings in the state. Protesters were heard chanting, “We don’t want Peter Obi,” while the road remained blocked for some time.
Reacting to the incident in a statement issued by his Media Assistant, James Ian, Aondoakaa described the development as a “disgraceful assault on democracy” and an affront to the constitutional rights of Nigerians.
He maintained that every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement, association and political participation, stressing that political differences should not be used as a basis to prevent anyone from moving freely or engaging with citizens.
Aondoakaa argued that no individual, group or government should prevent a Nigerian from accessing any part of the country because of political affiliation.
The PDP candidate’s reaction comes amid controversy over the circumstances surrounding the blockade. Obi alleged that youths led by a government aide were mobilised to stop his convoy, although the Benue State Government has denied knowledge of the visit or involvement in the incident.
The state government, through the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Kula Tersoo, said it was unaware that Obi was coming to Benue and questioned why the former Anambra State governor was stopped despite being entitled to security protection.
The incident has since sparked reactions from several political figures and groups, with calls for respect for democratic freedoms and peaceful political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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