Amnesty International Condemns Attack on Peter Obi’s Benue Visit

Amnesty International has condemned the alleged use of political thugs to prevent the presidential candidate of the opposition New Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, from entering Benue State.

The rights organisation described the incident as a “reckless and unlawful” act of political repression and said the Benue State Government has questions to answer over the incident.

According to Amnesty International, heavily armed youths barricaded Gboko Road in Makurdi, the state capital, in what it described as an apparent coordinated action that placed Obi’s entourage at risk.

The organisation stressed that no Nigerian requires permission or prior notification to visit any part of the country, insisting that no state should become a no-go area for political candidates or their supporters.

Amnesty International said the harassment of rival political candidates by state-endorsed armed vigilantes or political thugs is unlawful and poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic process.

It described the incident as an “unprecedented and dangerous act of political hooliganism,” warning that growing political intolerance and violence must be addressed ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The organisation said it had, since last year, documented what it described as increasing political repression, including alleged attempts to prevent opposition parties from holding meetings in hotels, attacks on political activities and other actions capable of undermining a level playing field.

Amnesty International also expressed concern over what it called the failure of relevant authorities to adequately investigate such incidents and prosecute suspected perpetrators.

The organisation urged the Nigerian Government to take decisive steps to prevent political repression and violence, warning that the alleged use of state-linked groups to suppress political opposition could further weaken democratic institutions.

It also called on political parties and candidates to make opposition to violence and political thuggery a clear and integral part of their campaigns.