• Makinde, Atiku condemn alleged attack on Obi in Benue
• Igbo town unions warn repeated attacks could trigger electoral violence
• Opposition demands probe into obstruction of NDC candidate
• Atiku dismisses EFCC probe call as political witch-hunt
• Tinubu, Yilwatda vacations slow APC campaign preparations

As preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace, opposition leaders yesterday raised fresh alarms over political intimidation and the use of state institutions.

The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of desperation to silence the opposition ahead of the polls.

Makinde was reacting to the blockade of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, in Benue State.

He condemned the incident, saying the APC was burdened by the reality of marketing an unpopular President Bola Tinubu to Nigerians.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Anthony Ehilebo, the Oyo State governor said the APC had resorted to barbaric tactics, including intimidation, harassment and unlawful obstruction of the legitimate activities of opposition parties and leaders, following its failure to market Tinubu to Nigerians.

Thugs had reportedly prevented Obi and his entourage from entering Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Tuesday.

Confirming the incident, the Benue State government said it had not been notified 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, 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 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, 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 it 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 insisted that the claim by the Benue State government that Obi did not seek prior permission from the state government before his visit was completely 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,” he added.

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, also faulted the Benue incident.

In a statement signed by Kenneth Okonkwo, his official spokesperson, Atiku said he “strongly condemns the violent attack on Peter Obi,” describing the incident as unacceptable.

He said Obi was “brutally prevented from reaching bereaved families of Yelwata, Benue State, to offer his condolences over the persistent terrorist attacks on them.”

Atiku described the incident as “unacceptable, anti-democratic and deeply shameful.”

He called on the relevant authorities to urgently “investigate the incident, hold those responsible accountable and ensure the safety and freedom of political leaders to carry out their duties without intimidation.”

The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) condemned the reported attack on Obi’s convoy, warning that such incidents could signal the possibility of violence during the 2027 general elections.

ASITU also alleged that Obi had previously come under attack during a visit to Benin City, Edo State.
The association warned that repeated attacks on political candidates could create a dangerous atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections and urged authorities to act swiftly to prevent further incidents.

National President, Chief Emeka Diwe, stated this in an interview with Vanguard.

The group called on the Federal and Benue State governments to investigate the incident and ensure that those found responsible were brought to justice.

ASITU said: “The attacks on the presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, have become too many. He was attacked in Benin City and now in Benue State.

“The attack in Benue State is shocking because Obi was only in the state to sympathise with victims of terror attacks in Yelwata.

“We warn that these attacks are looming signals that the 2027 general elections may be marred by violence. Nigerians should be free to campaign in any part of the country.

“Some state governors have threatened Obi against visiting their states, yet the security agencies have done nothing about the threats. The Benue State government should ensure that this incident is investigated.”

The association also called on the Federal Government to step up efforts to identify and prosecute those allegedly sponsoring attacks on political figures.

“Today, it is Mr Peter Obi; tomorrow, it may be another candidate or a high-ranking Nigerian. These are also signs that no part of the country is safe as we get to the 2027 elections.

“The Tinubu administration must do something about these attacks before it is too late,” the group said.

Atiku dismisses call for EFCC probe as political witch-hunt
Also, Atiku Abubakar dismissed calls for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate him over allegations of corruption as a political witch-hunt.

Atiku, in a statement by his media aide, Paul Ibe, said the call reflected the use of state institutions against political opponents by governments feeling threatened.

A former National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ntufam Hilliard Eta, had urged the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies to immediately investigate and prosecute Atiku over alleged corruption.

Reacting to the call, Atiku said: “When an incumbent government begins to feel politically threatened, the institutions of state suddenly become intensely interested in its opponents.

“The latest episode is the move to bring former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, under the scrutiny of the EFCC.”

The former Vice President recalled that the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo had investigated him but found no evidence to pursue his prosecution.

He said that almost two decades later, successive administrations had controlled the machinery of the Nigerian state, yet none had found it necessary to prosecute him for corruption.

Tinubu, Yilwatda vacations slow APC campaign preparations
Meanwhile, activities at the Presidential Villa have slowed down, 10 days into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s three-week vacation, with fewer high-profile visitors and reduced official engagements.

The lull has also affected preparations for the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign, including the constitution of the party’s Presidential Campaign Committee and the commencement of its electioneering activities.

Tinubu is expected to spend another two weeks on vacation before returning to Nigeria.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has continued to receive visitors and attend official engagements from his office, although the level of activity has reduced compared with when the President is in the country.

The development has coincided with the absence of the APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who has travelled out of Abuja for a short vacation expected to end around the time Tinubu returns.

A prominent member of the APC Presidential Campaign Committee told The Guardian that Yilwatda was expected to meet with the President to review campaign strategies and seek clarification on key decisions concerning the party’s operations during the election season.

The source said Tinubu had expressed reservations about the handling of the party’s national convention and primary elections, adding that efforts were underway to resolve issues surrounding the composition of the presidential campaign committee and possible replacements for vacant positions in ministries, departments and agencies.

“As we speak, I will be travelling to the United States by midnight today. Everything appears to be on hold due to the absence of the C-in-C. I want to use the next eight days to also refuel and see my children in the U.S.

“You people in the media may say we are sluggish in kicking off with the campaigns, but there is a lot that our party is doing behind the scenes,” the source stated.

Yilwatda’s Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Toki, said the APC chairman would resume his official duties after two weeks of rest.

Toki said other members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) remained available to handle official duties and ensure continuity in the party’s activities.

He also dismissed speculation that Yilwatda could be removed as national chairman, saying the vacation was intended to allow him to step back from the demands of his daily responsibilities, recharge and reflect on the tasks ahead.

“Far from being a disengagement from party affairs, the vacation provides the National Chairman with an opportunity to step back briefly from the intensity of day-to-day activities, recharge and reflect on the enormous responsibilities ahead,” he said.

According to Toki, Yilwatda would also use the period to put the finishing touches to a planned retreat for members of the NWC.

He said the retreat was designed to allow members to contribute observations and ideas aimed at improving the running of the party.