Peter Obi has constitutional right to visit, campaign anywhere in Nigeria — OK Movement
The Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement has condemned the reported attack on the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State, insisting that he has a constitutional right to visit and campaign in any part of the country.
The movement, in a statement dated September 10, 2026, and signed by its National Director-General, Hon. John Ughulu, described the incident as disturbing and warned against the use of political thuggery, intimidation and violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group alleged that individuals mobilised by elements within the Benue State Government attacked or attempted to disrupt Obi’s convoy during his legitimate political engagement in the state.
It said that, if established, the alleged conduct would amount to an assault on democratic values, political tolerance and the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens.
“Peter Obi, like every other presidential aspirant and political leader, has a legal and constitutional right to visit and campaign in every part of Nigeria,” the statement said.
The OK Movement stressed that no state government, political party or individual had the authority to intimidate, harass or obstruct a legitimate political movement through violence or thuggery.
The group also defended the conduct of its security team, saying its members deliberately exercised restraint in the face of provocation to prevent the situation from escalating.
It said the decision to restrain its personnel should not be interpreted as weakness, fear or lack of capacity, but as an act of discipline and responsibility. “Restraint is not weakness. Restraint is discipline,” the movement stated.
However, the group warned against further attempts to test or exploit its restraint, saying it had the organisational structures necessary to protect its members and maintain order within the limits of the law.
It said it would continue to act responsibly but would take “every lawful and necessary countermeasure” available whenever the safety of its leaders and members was threatened.
The movement called on security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the Benue incident and ensure that anyone found responsible was held accountable under the law, regardless of political affiliation or position.
It also urged the international community, diplomatic missions, election observers and democracy-monitoring organisations to take note of incidents of political violence and intimidation as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
The OK Movement further called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to protect the constitutional rights, safety and freedom of every political actor and citizen.
The group reiterated its commitment to peaceful democratic participation, saying elections should be won through ideas, competence, persuasion and votes rather than intimidation, violence or political thuggery.
“This is not the Nigeria we want to build,” the movement said, adding that it would “defend democracy,” protect its members within the law and resist intimidation. “Political violence must never become a substitute for democracy,” it added.
