The campaign organisation of the Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Governor Seyi Makinde, has condemned the reported obstruction of the convoy of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State.

The campaign described the incident as unacceptable and alleged that the development reflected an attempt to intimidate opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement on Wednesday by Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Anthony Ehilebo, the campaign alleged that Obi’s convoy was obstructed by suspected state-sponsored thugs while he was travelling to Yelwata to visit families affected by recent killings in the area.

The campaign said it was particularly concerned that the incident occurred barely 24 hours after Obi joined other opposition leaders at the inauguration of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office in Abuja.

It alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was becoming increasingly concerned about emerging opposition alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Setting up roadblocks and engaging thugs to stop opposition candidates have no place in a constitutional democracy,” the statement said.

The campaign also faulted the position reportedly attributed to the Benue State Government that Obi ought to have obtained prior permission before visiting the state.

It argued that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the right to freedom of movement and peaceful assembly, insisting that political candidates should be allowed to conduct legitimate activities across the country without undue restrictions.

The statement cited Sections 40 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which provide for the rights to freedom of assembly and association as well as freedom of movement.

The campaign consequently called on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the incident and bring anyone found culpable to justice.

It said: “We therefore demand that the Nigerian Police immediately commence a full-scale investigation into this unfortunate incident and bring the culprits to book, in the overall interest of our democracy.”

The APM campaign reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful electoral process, but said it would not be intimidated by what it described as attempts to frustrate the participation of opposition parties and candidates.

It urged political actors and security agencies to uphold democratic principles and ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.