By Chukwudi Ebele

Movement says no candidate should be denied freedom to campaign, engage voters

The reported blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue State has prompted the Anambra State Obidient Movement to raise concerns over the safety of political candidates and the broader democratic environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group has consequently called on the Federal Government, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to act early to ensure that every candidate enjoys adequate protection and equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process.

Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was reportedly travelling to Yelwata on Tuesday to commiserate with communities affected by deadly violence when his convoy encountered a crowd along Gboko Road in Makurdi.

Footage circulated from the scene appeared to show the road blocked by the crowd, with reports that some protesters shouted, “We don’t want Peter Obi.”

The police later confirmed that youths had blocked the convoy, but said the motive remained unknown and that an investigation had commenced.

In its reaction, the Anambra Obidient Movement described the incident as a warning sign that should not be ignored as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

A statement issued after a meeting of the movement’s State Executive in Awka and signed by Chief Comrade Charles Obiora Anueyiagu and Comrade Edwin Utazi said Nigeria could not afford to normalise political intimidation.

The movement argued that the safety of political candidates was inseparable from the safety of ordinary citizens seeking to participate in the democratic process.

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

It called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, while stressing that allegations of political sponsorship should not be treated as established facts without evidence.

However, it said anyone found responsible for unlawful obstruction or violence should face the law.

The group also called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Benue State Government and other security agencies to ensure accountability.

Beyond the immediate incident, the movement urged the Federal Government, security agencies and INEC to work towards creating a safe and equal playing field for all candidates participating in the 2027 general elections.

It said such an environment must guarantee candidates the freedom to campaign, meet voters and undertake legitimate political activities without threats or obstruction.

The movement also appealed to political parties and their supporters to reject the use of youths for political violence.

According to the group, the 2027 contest should be based on competing policies, ideas, accountability and persuasion rather than intimidation and street confrontation.

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

Speaking separately, movement stakeholder Paul Chuks Umenduka urged political actors to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of provoking violence.

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