The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned the reported obstruction of the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State on Tuesday, describing the incident as a dangerous affront to Nigeria’s democratic norms.
The Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, in a statement issued on Thursday, said no political, ethnic or other grievance could justify the use of mobs, roadblocks or intimidation to restrict the movement of any citizen, particularly a presidential candidate visiting communities affected by recent killings. He said the incident required urgent and transparent investigation.
The Executive Director said the investigation must go beyond those who physically carried out the blockade to determine who organised, financed or directed the action. “Regardless of the political claims and counterclaims, the physical obstruction itself demands urgent and transparent scrutiny,” he said, while commending the police for the arrests.
Zikirullahi also expressed concern over Obi’s allegation that individuals linked to a government aide may have mobilised the youths, noting that the Benue State Government had denied involvement. He said the conflicting claims further underscored the need for authorities to establish the facts and ensure that anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation or status, is held accountable.
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The CHRICED Executive Director said the Benue incident should not be treated as an isolated development, recalling controversies surrounding Obi’s movements in previous years. He cited the disruption of his planned humanitarian visit to IDP camps in Benue in April 2025, a July 2025 warning attributed to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo over visits to the state without prior notification or security clearance, and reports of threats against presidential candidates campaigning in parts of the South-West.
“These unresolved incidents form a troubling pattern of political intolerance which, if left unchecked, could escalate as the 2027 elections draw near,” Zikirullahi warned.
He said the growing presence of hate speech, misinformation, disinformation and calls for violence made the Benue incident an early warning signal for political parties, candidates, security agencies, INEC and state governments.
He stressed that Nigeria’s political history demonstrated the dangers of allowing young people to be weaponised for political purposes, pointing to violent episodes associated with past political crises and elections.
According to him, the country must not repeat a history in which political disagreements degenerate into violence, intimidation and destruction.
“Political competition is legitimate and essential, but democracy collapses when political actors are prevented through threats or force from entering communities, meeting citizens or expressing their views,” the Executive Director said.
He added that freedom of movement, peaceful assembly and political participation must apply equally to all candidates and supporters, while genuine security concerns should be addressed through lawful coordination rather than obstruction.
Zikirullahi called on the Nigeria Police Force to conclude a credible investigation into the Benue incident and publicly disclose its findings, subject to the law.
He also urged security agencies to guarantee the safety and freedom of movement of political candidates, campaign teams, journalists, civil society actors and citizens, regardless of their political affiliation.
He further called on INEC, security agencies and political parties to establish clear and non-discriminatory security protocols for rallies, campaign tours, political meetings and humanitarian visits.
He also advocated early-warning and rapid-response mechanisms to enable authorities and civil society organisations to identify and respond promptly to threats, violence and obstruction.
“Democracy is not merely about winning elections; it is about safeguarding the rights of citizens to participate freely and without fear,” Zikirullahi said.
He urged the Federal Government, INEC, security agencies, state governments and political parties to act before political intolerance escalates, stressing that “the 2027 elections must be a contest of ideas, policies and programmes, not a contest of roadblocks, intimidation or brute force. The ballot, not the barricade, must determine political legitimacy in Nigeria.”