By Chimezie Godfrey
The OK Movement has accused individuals allegedly mobilised by elements within the Benue State Government of attacking or attempting to disrupt the convoy of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, during his visit to the state.
The movement, in a statement signed by its National Director General, Hon. John Ughulu, said it was “deeply concerned” over the reported incident, describing it as a disturbing development that could undermine political tolerance and democratic values ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ughulu said the alleged attack, if established, amounted to “a dangerous assault on democratic values, political tolerance and the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens.”
According to him, Obi, like every other presidential aspirant and political leader, has a constitutional right to visit and campaign in any part of Nigeria without intimidation, harassment or obstruction.
“No state government, political party or individual has the authority to intimidate, harass or obstruct a legitimate political movement through violence or thuggery,” Ughulu said.
The OK Movement also addressed the conduct of its security team during the incident, saying its decision to exercise restraint in the face of the alleged provocation was deliberate.
Ughulu said the restraint shown by the security personnel should not be interpreted as weakness or lack of capacity, insisting that the movement chose peace to prevent the situation from escalating into unnecessary confrontation.
“The fact that our security personnel exercised restraint in the face of provocation should never be interpreted as weakness, fear or lack of capacity,” he said.
“Our decision to restrain our people was a deliberate act of leadership and responsibility. We chose peace because we understand that Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we will not allow political provocation to push our supporters into unnecessary confrontation.”
He stressed: “Restraint is not weakness. Restraint is discipline.”
However, Ughulu warned that the movement would not allow its commitment to peace to be exploited, saying it had the organisational structures required to protect its members and maintain order within the law.
“The OK Movement has the capacity and organisational structures necessary to protect its members and maintain order within the limits of the law,” he said.
He warned against any further attempt to use political thuggery, intimidation or violence to frustrate the activities of the movement or any other political organisation.
“This is not the Nigeria we want to build,” Ughulu declared.
The movement argued that democracy could not survive where political opponents were attacked simply because they chose to visit or campaign in a particular state.
According to Ughulu, elections should be won through “ideas, competence, persuasion and the votes of the people, not through intimidation, violence or political thuggery.”
The OK Movement consequently called on security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the Benue incident and ensure that anyone found responsible was held accountable under the law, regardless of political affiliation or position.
It also urged the international community, diplomatic missions, election observers and democracy monitoring organisations to take note of reports of political violence and intimidation in Nigeria as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
Ughulu said the Federal Government and relevant authorities must protect the constitutional rights, safety and freedom of every political actor and citizen.
He reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to peaceful democratic participation, but warned that such commitment should not be mistaken for surrender.
“Our commitment to peace must never be mistaken for surrender,” he said.
“We will defend democracy. We will protect our people within the law. We will resist intimidation. And we will never accept political violence as a substitute for democracy.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us.”
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