Amnesty Condemns Peter Obi’s Blockade in Benue, Demands Action

Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the reported blockade of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the opposition Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), from entering Benue State, describing the incident as a dangerous act of political repression.

In a statement posted on its official X account, the organisation said the incident raised serious concerns about political freedom and the safety of opposition candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Amnesty International deeply is concerned by the reckless and unlawful use of political thugs that blocked the presidential candidate of opposition NDC Peter Obi from entering Benue state. Benue state government has questions to answer for this brazen act of political repression.”

The organisation said Nigerians should be free to travel to any part of the country without seeking permission or providing prior notification, regardless of their political affiliation.

“No Nigerian needs anybody’s permission or prior notification to visit any part of the country — at all times. No state is a no-go area for any person or supporters of any political party,” Amnesty International said.

It described the incident as “an unprecedented and dangerous act of political hooliganism” that undermines the democratic process.

Read Also: Amnesty Condemns Public Assault of Pedro Obaseki in Edo

“What happened today in Benue state is an unprecedented and dangerous act of political hooliganism that undermines the entire democratic process,” it said.

According to the organisation, heavily armed youths barricaded Gboko Road in Makurdi, the state capital, in what it described as an apparent coordinated action that put Obi’s entourage at risk.

“Harassment of rival candidates by state-endorsed armed vigilante groups or thugs is unlawful,” Amnesty International said.

The organisation also called for urgent action against political intolerance, incitement and other activities it said could undermine democracy.

“Alarming intolerance, incitements and other efforts to undermine democracy must be decisively addressed now,” it said.

Amnesty International said it had, since last year, documented what it described as a “shocking level of political repression”, including alleged attempts to prevent hotels from hosting political meetings organised by opposition parties and attacks on political activities of rival parties.

It expressed concern over what it described as inadequate action by the Nigerian government to prevent political repression and violence.

“We are seriously concerned that the Nigerian Government is doing very little to prevent political repression and violence. Some states have been implementing unpronounced policy of using all means of shutting out any political opposition,” the organisation said.

It also criticised the alleged failure of relevant authorities to investigate incidents and prosecute those responsible.

“We are also concerned by the failure of the relevant authorities to investigate and bring to justice the suspected perpetrators of such acts,” it said.

Amnesty International urged political parties and candidates to make opposition to violence and thuggery a central part of their campaign strategies ahead of the 2027 elections.