Following the reported attack on the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress(NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, in Benue State, the Kwankwaso National Network (KNN) has called on relevant authorities to immediately probe the incident.
The South-East zone of KKN made the call Wednesday in a statement issued Wednesday September 9, 2026 by its Zonal Coordinator, Dr Ukpai Iro Ukpai, saying that the attack was a bad omen for Nigeria’s democracy ahead of 2027 general election.
A group of Benue State youths weilding clubs had on September 8 barricaded Obi’s convoy and prevented him from going to sympathise with and donate relief materials to the victims of the recent killings in Yelwata community in Guma local government, by suspected armed herdsmen. Obi was forced to turn back and return home, abandoning the visit.
The South-East KKN described the incident as “barbaric, dangerous and totally unacceptable”, noting that no political disagreement could justify exposing a major presidential candidate to violence.
It said that any attempt to trivialise the ugly incident in Benue and sweep it under the carpet could have serious implications for Nigeria’s democracy as political parties have already kicked into gear their campaigns for the 2027 general election. The group demanded that security agencies should immediately investigate the Benue incident, identify the masterminds and prosecute those found culpable.
The Kwankwaso support group sternly warned those planning to do any form of harm to Obi and his running mate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, to desist from such dangerous line of action.
“Nothing must happen to Peter Obi. Nothing must happen to any presidential candidate. The security and safety of every political actor must be guaranteed, irrespective of party, tribe or religion,” the group said.
Though Obi alleged that Benue State government was behind the attack as an aide to Governor Hyacinth Alia was identified to be among the attackers, the government has denied any link to the incident.
However, KKN dismissed Benue government’s denial, describing its explanation of the incident as “infantile and lame”, adding that Governor Alia’s claim that the NDC presidential candidate did not notify the state government ahead of his visit was untenable.
According to the group, the llleged failure of Obi to to notify the Benue government of his visit, even if established, could never constitute a licence for political thugs to attack or obstruct a presidential candidate.
KNN noted that the issue at stake went beyond Peter Obi as an individual, stressing that the safety of a presidential candidate was a matter of national security and democratic integrity.
It pointed out that Obi is not an ordinary political actor, having emerged as one of the most recognisable opposition figures in the country with a large and organic support base since his 2023 presidential campaign.
Therefore, the group warned that any harm to Obi could easily trigger widespread tension, deepen political distrust and create unnecessary instability in an already highly inflamable pre-election environment.
“Peter Obi commands a huge following across Nigeria, particularly among young people. Any attempt to harm him, intimidate him or prevent him from freely moving around the country will not be seen as an attack on one man alone.
“It will be interpreted by millions of Nigerians as an attack on their political rights and democratic space,” KNN stated.
The group urged the Federal Government and security agencies to provide watertight security for Obi and all other presidential, governorship and legislative candidates as political campaigns intensify.
It insisted that every candidate must be allowed to travel freely across the country, interact with voters and canvass for votes in accordance with the electoral timetable and relevant laws.
KNN specially cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) against allowing political desperation to undermine the democratic process.
“Nigeria cannot afford a situation where political thuggery becomes the instrument for deciding who can enter a state, who can campaign and who can speak to the people. That is a dangerous road to take,” the group warned.
It stated that it would be foolhardy for anyone to expect Nigeria’s democracy to survive if political contests degenerated into violence, intimidation and restriction of the movement of opposition figures.
