The Young Progressives Party has condemned the blockade of Peter Obi’s motorcade during his visit to Benue State, demanding the identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has condemned the reported blockade of the motorcade of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), during his visit to Benue State.
Obi’s convoy was blocked on Tuesday while he was travelling towards Yelwata community to meet and sympathise with victims of the June 2025 attacks in the area.
The Benue State Police Command has since arrested 46 suspects in connection with the incident and said investigations were ongoing to identify other persons involved.
The YPP, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Martins Egbeola, on Thursday in Abuja, also demanded the identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the disruption.
Egbeola described the incident as “deeply troubling and totally unacceptable” in a constitutional democracy where citizens’ freedom of movement and right to participate in legitimate political activities were guaranteed.
He said Obi, like every other Nigerian and presidential candidate, had the right to travel to any part of the country for social, political and other lawful engagements without harassment or intimidation.
According to him, no individual, political party or group has the right to restrict the movement of another citizen through intimidation, harassment or violence.
The YPP spokesman also faulted the reported explanation by the Benue State Government over the incident.
The Benue State Government has denied involvement in the blockade, insisting that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration does not engage or deploy thugs as instruments of governance or security.
Egbeola said political activities and preparations for the 2027 general election were already underway, adding that Obi did not require anyone’s permission to enter Benue State for legitimate social or political engagements.
He urged the Benue State Government to publicly condemn the incident and cooperate with security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible.
The YPP also called on the state government to apologise to Obi and demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.
The national publicity secretary said democracy could not thrive where political desperation degenerated into violence, intimidation and restrictions on citizens’ freedoms.
He urged political actors, particularly those seeking elective offices in 2027, to play by the rules and allow Nigerians to freely exercise their democratic rights.
Egbeola further called on Nigerian youths to reject political violence and avoid being used as tools by politicians.
He said young people recruited for political violence were often left to face the consequences of their actions, while those who allegedly sponsored such activities remained protected.
The blockade of Obi’s convoy has continued to attract condemnation from political parties and public figures, with calls for political tolerance and the protection of freedom of movement as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum.
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