A storm of condemnation has trailed the reported obstruction of H.E. Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), from visiting Yelwata community in Benue State.
The People’s Organic Movement (POM), led by Convener Citizen Eliashib Ime-James, described the incident as a “shameful and unconstitutional act” that violates the fundamental rights of freedom of movement, association, and political participation enshrined in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
Although the Benue State Government has denied involvement, POM insists that the people of Benue widely believe the Governor orchestrated the attack, calling the denial “an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians.”
“This is not the first time opposition voices have been targeted. It is becoming a pattern — and patterns unchecked become policy,” the statement warned.
The group cautioned that such acts of political intolerance could inflame ethnic and political tensions in Nigeria’s fragile federation, potentially sparking nationwide unrest.
POM has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publicly condemn the incident and ensure governors do not misuse state apparatus against opposition leaders. It also urged the United Nations, European Union, African Union, and world leaders to intervene and press the Nigerian government to protect democratic freedoms.
The movement demanded an apology from the Benue State Government to Peter Obi and the Yelwata community, stressing that Nigeria needs “politics of ideas, not politics of violence.”
“We will not be silenced. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the statement concluded.
