Seyi Makinde, the presidential candidate for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to stifle political competition following the blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue State.
The incident involved the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Anthony Ehilebo, Makinde described the obstruction as a deliberate and desperate move by the ruling party to silence opposition voices.
The blockade, which occurred in Benue State, has raised concerns regarding the safety of political candidates and the freedom of movement for opposition figures during the current political cycle. The APM candidate framed the incident as a direct challenge to the democratic process in Nigeria.
Political tensions rise in Benue
According to the statement released by the APM camp, the move to obstruct the NDC candidate was a calculated attempt to prevent opposition leaders from engaging with the electorate. The blockade of the convoy in Benue has been characterized by Makinde as a tactic used by the APC to maintain its influence by preventing rival candidates from reaching voters.
Makinde’s spokesperson, Ehilebo, asserted that such actions reflect a growing pattern of desperation within the APC. He argued that preventing candidates from travelling and meeting citizens undermines the fundamental principles of a multi-party democracy where open competition is essential for legitimacy.
While the specific identities of those responsible for the blockade have not been officially confirmed by security agencies, the incident has triggered immediate political friction. The event occurred at a time of heightened sensitivity across the country as various political blocs prepare for upcoming electoral engagements.
The Benue State government and the Nigerian Police Force have not yet issued a formal statement regarding the security breach or the specific details of the encounter. Political analysts have noted that such incidents often lead to increased demands for enhanced security protocols for all political convoys across the federation to ensure neutrality.
The NDC has not yet released a comprehensive report on the extent to which the blockade disrupted their scheduled activities in the state. However, the event has prompted discussions regarding the level of protection afforded to opposition candidates and the potential for further security escalations in the region.
Security agencies are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the blockade to determine if any criminal laws were violated during the encounter in Benue.
Explore more News stories from Business Elites Africa.
