Politics Is Not Thuggery — Adeyanju Condemns Attack on Peter Obi in Benue

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has condemned the reported attack and obstruction of the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi in Benue State.

Adeyanju described the incident as unacceptable and said it was contrary to the principles of democracy, particularly the constitutional right of citizens to freedom of movement.

Obi’s convoy was reportedly blocked on Tuesday shortly after he arrived in Benue State. Videos shared by members of his media team showed youths obstructing vehicles along the road and allegedly pursuing members of the convoy.

Obi said he travelled to Benue not for campaign activities but to sympathise with communities affected by recent killings and visit Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area, where victims of the June 2025 attacks were being mourned.

The former Anambra State governor said his movement was prevented from reaching the community.

Reacting to the development, Adeyanju said political differences should never be used to justify intimidation or restrictions on an individual’s movement.

He argued that politics should be based on competing ideas, policies and development plans rather than violence, intimidation or electoral manipulation.

Adeyanju urged President Bola Tinubu to unequivocally condemn the incident and called on Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to ensure that his administration did not tolerate or encourage acts of political intimidation.

He also appealed to political supporters and those seeking to please people in positions of authority to avoid actions capable of undermining democratic values.

The human rights lawyer stressed that the reported incident was particularly disturbing because Obi is a presidential candidate and should be able to move freely while carrying out legitimate activities.

The Benue State Government has denied prior knowledge of Obi’s visit. The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, said the administration was not aware that the NDC candidate was coming to the state.

The incident has generated political reactions, with opposition figures calling for respect for democratic freedoms and the protection of political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adeyanju maintained that disagreements among political parties and candidates should be settled through democratic engagement rather than confrontation, stressing that Nigeria’s political process must not be allowed to descend into thuggery and intimidation.