The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has demanded an immediate investigation into the alleged blockade of the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State.
The party described the incident as “deeply disturbing and totally unacceptable.”
It also alleged that suspected state-sponsored miscreants obstructed Obi’s convoy while he was travelling to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area to meet families affected by the June 13, 2026 killings in the community.
The demand was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Anthony Ehilebo, Special Adviser on Media and Communication to APM presidential candidate and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
According to the party, the reported incident raises serious concerns about the safety of opposition politicians and the freedom of political participation ahead of the 2027 general election.
The APM therefore called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to establish what happened, identify those responsible for the alleged obstruction and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted.
The party’s reaction followed reports that Obi’s convoy was stopped while he was on his way to Yelwata, where he intended to visit families affected by the deadly attack of June 13.
The attack, which occurred in Yelwata, left several residents dead and others injured. An anniversary memorial report on the incident put the death toll at more than 271, highlighting the scale of the tragedy that Obi was reportedly travelling to commiserate with affected families.
The APM alleged that the incident was politically motivated and accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to frustrate opposition activities ahead of the 2027 election.
Ehilebo linked the development to the growing political activities involving opposition figures, noting that it happened barely 24 hours after Obi attended the inauguration of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office in Abuja.
Ehilebo alleged that the APC had become increasingly concerned about recent political developments and was responding with intimidation and harassment aimed at weakening opposition mobilisation.
The APM also rejected the explanation attributed to the Benue State Government that Obi did not obtain prior permission before visiting the state.
The party argued that such a requirement could not be used to prevent a Nigerian from travelling to another state for a legitimate political or humanitarian activity. Ehilebo referred to Sections 40 and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which provide for freedom of association and freedom of movement.
“Every Nigerian, presidential candidate or otherwise, has a constitutionally guaranteed right to enter, live and move freely within any state in Nigeria to conduct legitimate activities without prior permission or notice,” he said.
He further condemned the alleged use of roadblocks and individuals described as thugs to obstruct an opposition politician.
“Setting up roadblocks and engaging thugs to stop opposition candidates have no place in a constitutional democracy,” Ehilebo said.
The APM insisted that the alleged blockade should not be dismissed as a routine political disagreement, stressing that security agencies must determine whether the incident involved organised interference with Obi’s movement.
Obi had appeared at the Monday event alongside other opposition politicians and supporters of Makinde’s presidential campaign. Although Obi and Makinde are contesting the 2027 presidency under different political platforms, Obi used the occasion to express solidarity with the Oyo governor and acknowledge his qualification to seek the presidency.
Obi is seeking the presidency on the NDC platform, while Makinde is running under the APM.
Days before the Benue incident, Obi had appeared at the inauguration of the APM campaign office in Abuja, where he openly supported Makinde’s presidential ambition despite maintaining his own candidacy.
At the event, Obi said Makinde was qualified to aspire to become president and urged Nigerians to focus on choosing leaders capable of addressing the country’s economic and social challenges.
“We want a Nigeria of unity, inclusion; we have a candidate who is contesting for President today, my dear brother Makinde. Is he qualified to be President? Yes, he is qualified,” Obi said.
He also appealed for an election that would allow Nigerians to freely choose their preferred candidates, saying politicians should be prepared to work together after the election regardless of who emerges victorious.
“What we are doing today, for us is not about desperation but we want Nigerians to make their choice. All of us should come together to build a new Nigeria. We can’t continue the way we are going, our people are hungry and poor,” he said.
Obi added, “Whoever wins genuinely from a free, fair, and credible election, we will all work together to save this country from collapse.”
The former Anambra State governor further said political rivalry should not stop politicians from cooperating when the welfare of Nigerians is involved.
“That’s why I’m here to show solidarity and assure you that we are changing the system, we don’t want politics of quarrel, politics of disagreement. Let our quarrel be to feed our people, we want a Nigeria where the child of nobody can be somebody without knowing anybody,” he said.
Makinde formally entered the 2027 presidential race in May and subsequently emerged as the APM’s presidential candidate after the party’s primary election in Ibadan. He is expected to contest the election with former Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Musa Daura, as his running mate.
