The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has condemned in the strongest possible terms the reported obstruction and attack on the convoy of the Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), His Excellency, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, in Benue State, describing the incident as a disturbing manifestation of political intolerance that must not be allowed to define Nigeria’s 2027 electoral process.
Mr. Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, was in Benue State on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, in connection with activities relating to victims of the Yelwata killings. His convoy was reportedly blocked by youths along the Gboko Road/Gboko–Makurdi Expressway in Makurdi, as he proceeded towards Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area.
CUPP considers the incident unacceptable in a constitutional democracy and demands an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the obstruction.
While allegations of political sponsorship behind the incident remain subject to investigation, CUPP finds it deeply troubling that an opposition presidential candidate could be subjected to such treatment while undertaking a lawful visit within a federating unit of Nigeria.
Nigeria is not a political fiefdom. Benue State belongs to every Nigerian.
Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof. Section 40 guarantees freedom of peaceful assembly and association, including political association, while Section 39 guarantees freedom of expression.
Mr. Peter Obi therefore requires neither a visa nor political permission to enter Benue State—or any other state of the federation. His political identity cannot lawfully become a basis for restricting his movement or intimidating his supporters.
CUPP is particularly concerned that this incident comes amid a growing atmosphere of hostility towards opposition political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On February 24, 2026, Mr. Obi and other opposition figures were reportedly caught up in an attack in Benin City, Edo State, following an ADC engagement. The recurrence of incidents capable of threatening opposition political activities demands urgent national attention.
CUPP consequently challenges the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to demonstrate that its commitment to democracy extends beyond electoral rhetoric. Elections are not wars, and political opponents are not enemies of the state.
We also call on the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, to rise above partisan considerations and demonstrate the virtues of tolerance, peace and human dignity expected of a leader and Catholic priest.
If political opponents cannot freely enter states governed by the ruling party, engage citizens and express their political views without intimidation, then Nigerians have every reason to question the quality of democracy being practised.
CUPP therefore demands that the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies conduct a painstaking, independent and transparent investigation into the Benue incident, identify all those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full weight of the law.
The opposition will not be intimidated.
CUPP warns that Nigeria cannot afford a 2027 campaign season characterised by political thuggery, intimidation, road blockades and violence. Such conduct is barbaric, anti-democratic and fundamentally incompatible with constitutional governance.
The 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory constitute one indivisible federation. No governor, political party, political thug or partisan interest possesses the authority to determine which Nigerian may enter any part of Nigeria.
CUPP calls on Nigerians to reject political intimidation and defend the constitutional freedoms of movement, association and expression.
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