Fresh Political Tension Makinde Condemns Alleged Thugs Attack On Peter Obi’s Convoy

The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has condemned the reported obstruction of the convoy of Peter Obi during his visit to Benue State.

Makinde described the development as “deeply disturbing” and accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly resorting to intimidation and harassment in an attempt to frustrate opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to reports, Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), was in Benue State on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, to visit Yelwata and sympathise with families affected by the deadly attacks in the area.

However, his convoy was reportedly stopped by youths along the Gboko-Makurdi road, preventing him from proceeding to his intended destination. The police confirmed that the convoy was blocked and said an investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Reacting to the incident in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Anthony Ehilebo, Makinde strongly condemned the obstruction.

The governor alleged that the incident involved suspected state-sponsored thugs and described it as another attempt to suppress opposition voices ahead of the 2027 elections.

Makinde further linked the development to Obi’s appearance at the inauguration of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office on Monday, September 7, where the former Anambra State governor joined other opposition figures to express solidarity with him.

He described the timing of the incident as particularly troubling, alleging that the APC was becoming increasingly desperate because of what he characterised as difficulties in promoting President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Makinde also rejected the explanation from the Benue State Government that Obi’s visit had not been formally communicated to the authorities. He maintained that every Nigerian has a constitutional right to move freely across the country without requiring prior permission from a state government.

He cited Sections 40 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which provide for freedom of association and movement, respectively.

The Oyo governor argued that blocking roads or deploying individuals to prevent opposition politicians from carrying out legitimate activities had no place in a democratic society.

He therefore called on the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Government has denied any involvement in the blockade, insisting that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration does not engage or deploy thugs as instruments of governance or security. The government also said Obi’s visit had not been properly communicated to relevant security authorities.

Makinde, however, maintained that the opposition would not be intimidated or discouraged from participating fully in the 2027 electoral process.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the incident has generated fresh political tension as major opposition figures intensify their activities ahead of the 2027 elections, with calls growing for security agencies to establish who was responsible for the obstruction.