Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that the Benue State Government was involved in the blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy during the former Labour Party presidential candidate’s visit to the state.
Sowore claimed that the incident was deliberately organised to prevent Obi from entering Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
Obi’s movement was reportedly disrupted on Tuesday after a crowd confronted his convoy and chanted for him to leave the area.
Sowore said the alleged presence of a special adviser to the Benue State Governor among the crowd reinforced his suspicion that the incident was coordinated by government officials.
According to him, Obi had identified the governor’s special adviser as being among those chanting for him to return.
Sowore described the crowd’s conduct as threatening and questioned why security personnel present at the scene had not prevented the disruption.
He also criticised the absence of an immediate official statement from the police regarding the incident.
The AAC candidate alleged that officials within the state government knew about the action and may have been involved in planning it, while describing the development as unacceptable.
Despite his political disagreements with Obi, Sowore said his opposition to the former Anambra State governor was based on ideology and political records rather than personal animosity.
He stressed that Obi, his campaign team and members of his delegation should be free to travel and conduct political activities anywhere in Nigeria without fear of attack.
Sowore said political affiliation, religion or ethnicity should not determine whether a citizen’s constitutional rights are protected.
He further called on authorities to identify those responsible for the disruption and ensure that anyone found culpable faces appropriate sanctions.
Sowore warned that allowing political intimidation to continue ahead of the 2027 general elections could create a dangerous precedent.
READ MORE: Obi, Alia Clash Over Blocked Benue Visit As Convoy Is Stopped
He argued that incidents aimed at restricting political campaigns could escalate if left unchecked, potentially leading to more serious acts of violence.
According to him, the incident should serve as a warning to Nigerians and political candidates about the need to protect democratic participation.
Sowore called on all presidential candidates and political actors to condemn political violence and support the right of every candidate to campaign freely.
He maintained that participation in the democratic process should be protected without discrimination, regardless of party affiliation.
