‘Another dark day for democracy’ – Kwankwaso raises alarm over attack on Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue

 ‘Another dark day for democracy’ – Kwankwaso raises alarm over attack on Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue

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The NDC Vice Presidential candidate has issued a fiery condemnation of the attack on his principal, demanding urgent prosecution of those responsible and calling on the international community to intervene.
Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, NDC vice presidential candidate.
By Our Correspondent

September 8, 2026

The political atmosphere in Nigeria took a dangerous turn on Tuesday as the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, was attacked by suspected political thugs in Benue State, an incident that has drawn sharp condemnation from his running mate, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Kwankwaso, in a strongly worded statement on his verified X handle, said he was “deeply disturbed” by the brazen assault, describing the orchestrated blockade and attack on Obi’s entourage as a dark chapter in the nation’s democratic history. The incident occurred as Obi attempted to enter Makurdi to visit victims of recent terrorist attacks in the state .

“The deliberate mobilisation of unruly elements to block and attack his convoy and prevent him from entering Makurdi marks another dark day for our democracy,” Kwankwaso wrote.

The former governor of Kano State insisted that authorities must remember that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of movement, which applies “even more strongly” to Obi, a former governor and leading opposition figure .

A Call for Justice

Kwankwaso has given the Benue State Government an ultimatum of sorts, demanding that those responsible be “swiftly identified and prosecuted.” He also insisted that the government must guarantee the safety and free movement of Obi and his entourage moving forward.

He further urged President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors, particularly those in his party, against actions that could undermine the “sanctity of our democracy.”

The incident was initially reported by Obi’s media aide, Esther Umoh, who alleged that sponsored thugs blocked Boko Road near the Nigerian Air Force Base, preventing Obi from accessing the state . Speaking at the scene, Obi condemned the incident as “totally unacceptable,” adding that he was told the blockade was orchestrated by youths “sponsored by the governor” .

“People are being killed every day in Benue. People want to condole them and show that they are with them. I came here only to be told we cannot go in,” Obi said during the confrontation .

International Appeal

Kwankwaso has escalated the matter beyond national borders. He appealed to the international community, including diplomatic missions and election observation groups, to take note of the incident and urge Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect opposition leaders, and safeguard democratic freedoms [citation:Kwankwaso tweet].

This is not the first time Obi has faced restrictions in Benue. Reports indicate that his movement was curtailed in the state in April 2025 . The latest attack, which prevented a humanitarian visit to victims of the June 13, 2025, terrorist attack in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, comes as tensions rise ahead of the 2027 general elections .

The Benue State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement on the incident .

Full text of Dr. rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s tweet on X
I am deeply disturbed by the attack on the convoy of our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as he travelled to Benue State. The deliberate mobilisation of unruly elements to block and attack his convoy and prevent him from entering Makurdi marks another dark day for our democracy. Authorities must remember that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of movement. This right applies even more strongly to Mr Obi, a former governor and leading opposition figure. The Benue State Government must, as a matter of urgency, ensure that those responsible are swiftly identified and prosecuted. It must also guarantee the safety and free movement of our candidate and his entourage. I further urge the President to caution state governors, particularly those in his party against any actions that could undermine the sanctity of our democracy. I also call on the international community, including diplomatic missions and election observation groups, to take note of this incident and to urge Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect opposition leaders, and safeguard democratic freedoms. – RMK

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