‘Enough Is Enough’: Anambra Obidients Condemn Peter Obi Convoy Blockade in Benue

Movement warns against political thuggery, intimidation ahead of 2027 elections

By Staff Reporter

The Anambra State Obidient Movement has condemned the reported blockade of the convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in Benue State, warning that political intimidation and violence must not become the defining features of the 2027 general elections.

Obi was reportedly on his way to Yelwata in Benue State on Tuesday to sympathise with communities affected by deadly violence when his convoy was stopped along Gboko Road in Makurdi.

Videos circulating from the scene appeared to show a crowd blocking the road, with reports that some protesters chanted, “We don’t want Peter Obi.”

The police later confirmed that youths had blocked the convoy but said the reason for the action was unknown, adding that an investigation was underway.

Reacting to the development, the Anambra Obidient Movement described the incident as disturbing and said it should concern Nigerians across political divides, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

The position was contained in a statement issued following a meeting of the State Executive of the movement in Awka, Anambra State, on Tuesday.

The statement was jointly signed by Chief Comrade Charles Obiora Anueyiagu, Lead Coordinator, and Comrade Edwin Utazi, Secretary of the Obidient Movement in Anambra State.

The group said the incident should not be dismissed as an isolated political confrontation, given growing concerns over political intolerance, intimidation and violence ahead of the 2027 elections.

“No electoral victory is worth the blood of a Nigerian. No political disagreement justifies an attack on another citizen,” the statement said.

The Anambra Obidient leadership described political intimidation as a threat not only to political candidates but also to Nigerians seeking to exercise their constitutional right to participate in the democratic process.

It stressed that allegations of political sponsorship surrounding the incident should be properly investigated and not treated as established facts. However, it maintained that anyone found to have organised or participated in unlawful obstruction or violence should be held accountable under the law.

“We demand accountability. We demand equal protection under the law. We demand a political environment where every Nigerian can choose freely without fear,” the statement declared.

The movement called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Benue State Government and other relevant security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law.

It also appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to resist the use of youths as instruments of political confrontation.

According to the group, Nigeria’s political future should be defined by policy debates, persuasion and peaceful competition rather than road blockades, threats and violence.

“Elections are contests of ideas, policies and competing visions for the future. They must never become contests of intimidation, road blockades, threats or physical violence,” the statement said.

The movement further called on the Federal Government, security agencies and the electoral umpire to work towards creating a safe, transparent and equal playing field for all candidates participating in the 2027 general elections.

It said every candidate, irrespective of political affiliation, must be able to campaign, engage with citizens and participate in legitimate political activities without intimidation, obstruction or violence.

The Anambra Obidient leadership also warned that if a presidential candidate could be prevented from moving freely during a political or humanitarian engagement, it raised serious questions about the safety of ordinary citizens who do not have the protection and security details available to political office seekers.

The group therefore urged all stakeholders to reject the normalisation of political thuggery and take concrete steps to guarantee the safety and freedom of political participation ahead of the 2027 polls.

“Enough of political thuggery. Enough of intimidation. Nigeria must choose democracy over violence,” Anueyiagu and Utazi declared.

Meanwhile, a stakeholder in the Anambra Obidient Movement, Mr. Paul Chuks Umenduka, urged political actors across the country to refrain from actions capable of triggering political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Umenduka said the road to 2027 should be defined by ideas, issues, accountability and persuasion.

“Political disagreements must be settled through democratic means rather than intimidation or violence,” he said.