Reactions have continued to trail the disruption of the movement of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State on Tuesday, with the state Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, clarifying that the party did not ask him to forward any letter about Obi’s visit to Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Nwadiogbu said the letter presented to him by NDC members was simply to inform the police command about Obi’s planned arrival and enable the police to make the necessary security arrangements.
The commissioner made the clarification during an appearance on Channels Television’s Lunch Time Politics programme, where he discussed the events surrounding the disruption of Obi’s movement in the state.
He said NDC members initially contacted his Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) before visiting his office.
“On that very day, my PRO came to me and said members of NDC said they were paying me a visit. I said, well, I am currently in the office, and the PRO said they are coming by 3 p.m. I said ‘Okay.’”
Nwadiogbu explained that the communication from the NDC was focused on security arrangements for Obi’s visit and was not a request for him to transmit a notification to the state governor.
Meanwhile, the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) condemned the incident, alleging that youths were sponsored to block and attack Obi’s convoy and warning that such conduct could lead to anarchy as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
IPAC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Martins, said the police had been notified about Obi’s visit and argued that preventing a presidential candidate from entering a state violated his constitutional right to freedom of movement.
“Restricting a citizen from entering a state is a flagrant violation of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” IPAC said.
The council described the reported attack as particularly disturbing given the security challenges already facing Benue State.
“Benue State is already bleeding over constant terrorists’ attacks, sponsoring youths to block and attack Obi’s convoy is a misplaced aggression and height of rascality,” it said.
IPAC commended the police for arresting 46 suspects and called for a comprehensive investigation to establish who was responsible for the incident and identify any alleged sponsors.
The council said the incident should not be allowed to discourage political participation or undermine democratic processes.
Labour Party Condemns Incident
The Labour Party also condemned the alleged blockade and called on President Bola Tinubu to rein in governors, particularly if political actors were found to have been involved in the incident.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, the party described the incident as shameful and alleged that the individuals who blocked Obi may have been sponsored by the state government.
The party said such an allegation, if established, would be deeply concerning.
“If a Reverend Father who mounts the pulpit to teach morals could descend to this level of violence, what should Nigerians expect from more indecorous politicians and governors, like the one in Edo?
“It is particularly concerning that a governor who, as the Chief Security Officer of Benue State, has never been able to arrest and prosecute the criminals ravaging his state could instead be feasting on a man who was embarking on a humanitarian mission.”
The Labour Party stressed that citizens should be able to move freely, express political views and participate in public activities without intimidation.
“The sanctity of our democracy depends on the ability of every citizen to move freely, express political opinions and participate in public life without fear of harassment or attack,” it stated.
SEMATA Calls for Restraint
The South East Amalgamated Markets Traders Association (SEMATA) also condemned the incident, describing the reported attack as an act of impunity and brigandage.
In a statement signed by its President-General, Chief Emeka Emechebe, and Secretary-General, Chief Chima Eruchalu, after an emergency executive meeting in Onitsha, the association warned that political violence could threaten peaceful elections in 2027.
SEMATA, which represents traders of South-East extraction across Nigeria and the diaspora, urged youths in Benue and other parts of the country to avoid repeating the incident.
The association maintained that all presidential candidates have a constitutional right to freedom of movement and peaceful assembly irrespective of their political affiliations.
It warned that no individual or group should assume a monopoly over violence and said it would neither support nor tolerate acts of lawlessness.
“We are a nation of laws where the rule of law prevails at all times,” the association said, adding that Nigeria must not allow political violence and turbulence to threaten democracy.
Source: Channels Television
