The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to silence opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde made the allegation on Wednesday while reacting to the reported obstruction of the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benue State.
The Oyo State governor condemned the incident, arguing that the APC was struggling with the challenge of convincing Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Anthony Ehilebo, Makinde alleged that the ruling party had resorted to intimidation, harassment and the obstruction of legitimate opposition activities because of its inability to effectively promote Tinubu to Nigerians.
Recall that suspected thugs reportedly prevented Obi and members of his entourage from accessing Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Tuesday.
The Benue State Government subsequently confirmed the incident, stating that it had not been informed of Obi’s visit.
Makinde’s statement read:
“We strongly condemn the unwarranted obstruction of the convoy of the Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), former Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
“The incident, in which Mr. Obi’s convoy was obstructed by a group of suspected state-sponsored thugs on his way to Yelwata to visit families affected by the tragic killings in the area, is deeply disturbing and totally unacceptable. It marks a new low in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s desperation to stifle opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“It is particularly worrisome that this targeted attack came barely 24 hours after Mr. Peter Obi joined other notable opposition leaders to show solidarity with our principal, the Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Engr. Seyi Makinde, at the inauguration of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office on Monday, September 7, 2026.
“Expectedly, the ruling APC—overburdened by the sad reality of marketing an unpopular President Tinubu to Nigerians—is rattled by recent political developments, leading them to resort to barbaric tactics, including intimidation, harassment, and the unlawful obstruction of the legitimate activities of opposition parties and leaders.
“Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every citizen of Nigeria the freedom to move throughout the country and reside in any part thereof. Similarly, Section 40 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freely assemble and associate.”
The statement also rejected the explanation by the Benue State Government that Obi had failed to notify or seek prior permission from the state authorities before visiting the state, describing the position as unacceptable and condemnable.
“Let us make it clear: 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.
“Setting up roadblocks and engaging thugs to stop opposition candidates have no place in a constitutional democracy.
“We demand that the Nigerian Police immediately commence a full-scale investigation into this unfortunate incident and bring the culprits to book in the interest of our democracy.
“As a campaign, we remain committed to a peaceful electoral process; however, we state clearly that we shall not be deterred or cowed by the antics of those who seek to make peaceful participation impossible.”
For a sharper Urban Brief headline, “Makinde Slams APC Over Peter Obi’s Benue Convoy Blockade” would also work well.
