‘Dark Day for Democracy’: Kwankwaso Warns After Thugs Block Peter Obi from Benue
Former Governor of Kano State and running mate to Peter Obi, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has strongly condemned the Tuesday incident where sponsored thugs blocked the opposition leader from entering Benue State.
In a statement shared via his verified X account, Kwankwaso described the development as deeply disturbing and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic principles.
“The deliberate mobilisation of unruly elements to block and attack his convoy and prevent him from entering Makurdi marks another dark day for our democracy,” Kwankwaso stated.
He reminded authorities that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of movement, emphasizing that this right applies even more strictly to Obi as a prominent opposition leader and former governor.
Kwankwaso is demanding the Benue State Government swiftly identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for the blockade while guaranteeing the safety of the opposition entourage.
He also wants President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors—particularly those within the ruling party—against actions that undermine democratic sanity.
As Nigeria heads into a crucial presidential election on January 26, 2026, Kwankwaso is calling on the international community, diplomatic missions, and election observation groups to document the incident and pressure Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law.
