The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has condemned the obstruction of the convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in Benue state on Tuesday.
In a statement issued in Kaduna on Wednesday, Sunday Oibe, NOSCEF chairman, described the incident as “highly disturbing and a dangerous development ahead of the 2027 general elections”.
Oibe said Nigerians must be allowed to freely elect their leaders in the 2027 elections without intimidation.
Suspected thugs had on Tuesday blocked Obi’s convoy on Gboko road as he attempted to access the state.
In a series of videos shared on X by Esther Umoh, Obi’s photographer, the mob was seen chasing the NDC presidential candidate’s convoy in the north-central state.
The former governor of Anambra said he visited the state not for campaign purposes but to sympathise with victims of the 2025 Yelewata massacre.
However, the Benue government denied having prior knowledge of the visit, describing Obi’s claims as “lies” aimed at tarnishing the image of Hyacinth Alia, governor of the state.
While expressing reservations about the incident, the NOSCEF chairman said, “democracy is not madness and politics is not a war”.
He said, “the 2027 elections must be an opportunity for Nigerians to freely choose their leaders, without fear, intimidation and suppression.”
Oibe argued that the incident would amount to an assault on democracy if the perpetrators truly acted on the instructions of the state governor, as alleged.
“Nigeria is a civilised and democratic nation, and the people of Benue State are traditionally known as peaceful, hospitable and welcoming people,” the statement reads.
“The alleged deployment of thugs or other unofficial forces to obstruct a political figure from moving freely within the country is frightening and sends a dangerous signal ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
He warned that such “political intolerance” could create an atmosphere in which opposition politicians and their supporters feel threatened.
“Democracy thrives on the freedom to move, associate, campaign, express opinions and visit communities without intimidation or obstruction,” Oibe said.
He noted that the incident reinforces concerns that the proposed state police, if established, could be abused by politicians against opposition figures.
“A security architecture that can be manipulated against political opponents would be a nightmare for democracy and a serious threat to peaceful political competition,” he added.
Oibe called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, given his historical involvement in Nigeria’s struggle for democratic governance.
