The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has condemned the reported obstruction of the motorcade of Mr Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), during a visit to Yelwata community in Benue State.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, was said to have been travelling to the community on Tuesday to meet victims displaced by the recent attack in Yelwata when suspected thugs allegedly prevented his convoy from proceeding.
Reacting to the incident, the YPP called on security agencies to identify those behind the action, arrest them and ensure they are prosecuted.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Martins Egbeola, made the call in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja. Egbeola described the development as disturbing and unacceptable in a democratic society where citizens are guaranteed freedom of movement and the right to engage in lawful political activities.
He said Obi, like every Nigerian and candidate seeking public office, was entitled to visit any part of the country for legitimate political, social or private engagements without intimidation.
According to him, no individual, group or political organisation has the authority to prevent another citizen from moving freely through threats, harassment or violence. The YPP spokesman also criticised the explanation reportedly offered by the Benue State Government over the incident.
Egbeola said political consultations and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections were already taking place across the country and argued that Obi did not need permission to enter Benue State for any lawful engagement.
He urged the state government to publicly condemn the incident and work with security agencies to establish those responsible. The party also called on the Benue government to apologise to Obi and demonstrate that it was committed to protecting constitutional freedoms and the rule of law.
Egbeola warned that Nigeria’s democracy could be undermined if political competition was allowed to descend into intimidation, violence and attempts to restrict the movement of political opponents. He appealed to politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves within the law as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
The YPP spokesman also urged young Nigerians to stay away from political violence and resist attempts by politicians to use them to attack perceived rivals.
He said youths recruited for violent political activities were often abandoned to face the consequences while those who instigated them remained protected.