APC Desperate to Stifle Opposition, Market ‘Unpopular’ Tinubu – Makinde Reacts to Obi’s Benue Blockade

The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, Seyi Makinde has accused the All Progressives Congress, APC, of desperation to silence opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Makinde, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Anthony Ehilebo, was reacting to the reported blockade of the convoy of Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate Peter Obi, in Benue State on Tuesday.

He condemned the incident, describing it as unacceptable and alleging that suspected state-sponsored thugs obstructed Obi and his entourage while they were travelling to Yelwata to visit families affected by recent killings.

According to Makinde, the incident represented “a new low” in what he described as the APC’s attempt to stifle opposition leaders ahead of the elections.

“It is particularly worrisome that this targeted attack came barely 24 hours after Mr. Peter Obi joined other notable opposition leaders to show solidarity with our principal,” he said, referring to Obi’s appearance at the inauguration of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office in Ibadan on Monday.

Makinde said the APC was “overburdened by the sad reality of marketing an unpopular President Tinubu to Nigerians,” alleging that the ruling party had resorted to intimidation, harassment and obstruction because it was rattled by recent political developments.

He further argued that Obi’s movement and visit to Benue were protected by the Nigerian Constitution, citing Sections 40 and 41, which guarantee citizens’ rights to freedom of association and movement.

“Setting up roadblocks and engaging thugs to stop opposition candidates have no place in a constitutional democracy,” Makinde said.

The Benue State Government had confirmed the incident but said it was not notified about Obi’s visit. 

Makinde, however, rejected the explanation, insisting that presidential candidates and other Nigerians do not require prior permission to enter or move freely within any state while conducting legitimate activities.

He called on the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a full investigation into the incident and prosecute those found responsible, saying the development could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.

Makinde said his campaign remained committed to a peaceful electoral process but warned that the opposition would not be “deterred or cowed” by attempts to frustrate peaceful political participation.