Peter Obi convoy blockage in Benue prompts APM to demand a police probe into the alleged incident and identify those responsible
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has called for an investigation into the alleged blockage of the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi during a visit to Benue State on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
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The party urged the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to establish what happened, identify those responsible and take appropriate action if wrongdoing is confirmed.
According to APM, Peter Obi was travelling to Yelwata to visit families affected by a deadly attack on the community when suspected thugs allegedly stopped his convoy.
The party described the reported Peter Obi convoy blockage as “deeply disturbing and totally unacceptable”, while alleging that the incident could be linked to attempts to intimidate opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The allegations were 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.
Ehilebo alleged that the incident reflected a worrying pattern of harassment against opposition political activities.
He also pointed to the timing of the incident, noting that it occurred less than 24 hours after Obi joined opposition figures in supporting Makinde at the opening of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office in Abuja on Monday.
APM accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of using intimidation to frustrate opposition activities, although the allegation remains a political claim and has not been established as fact.
The controversy has also involved the Benue State Government, which reportedly said Obi did not obtain prior permission before attempting to visit the state.
APM rejected that position, arguing that Nigerians have constitutional rights to move freely and associate peacefully.
“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,” Ehilebo said.
He added that “setting up roadblocks and engaging thugs to stop opposition candidates have no place in a constitutional democracy.”
Obi’s reported visit was connected to the Yelwata attack of June 13, 2026, in which residents were killed and injured during an attack on the community.
Reports have placed the death toll at more than 271 people, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding visits to affected families.
APM has now asked the police to conduct a full investigation and prosecute anyone found to have been responsible for obstructing Obi’s movement.
The demand comes as political activity begins to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties increasingly seeking greater visibility and public engagement across the country.
The incident has also raised broader questions about the security of political movements and the protection of opposition figures during election-related activities.
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APM said it remained committed to peaceful political participation and insisted that intimidation should not prevent legitimate political engagement.
