Benue: Public office not licence to intimidate citizens, empower thugs – Peter Ameh on attack on Obi

Kogi East Senatorial candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Ameh, has harshly criticized the attack on the presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, in Benue State. Ameh declared the attack to be utterly unacceptable, stating that it is absurd and intolerable for such actions to be taken against political opponents.

He reminded that in April 2025, Governor Alia had warned Obi against visiting Benue State for any humanitarian work. Senior officials had also reportedly advised Alia to deny Obi access to Internally Displaced Persons camps, citing political reasons behind the visit. Nevertheless, Obi returned to Benue State one year later, visiting Otukpo-Nobi to offer condolences to residents affected by recent violence.

On Tuesday, Obi was travelling to Makurdi when a convoy of suspected hired thugs obstructed his vehicle, violently targeting it. Responding to this disturbing incident, Ameh, a former presidential candidate, unequivocally condemned the roadblock and intimidation allegedly carried out by individuals in Benue, possibly backed by those in power.

He emphasized that no citizen should endure harassment, threats, or unwarranted obstruction on public roads, as roads belong to the people, and political power should never be used to instill fear, cause inconvenience, or promote lawlessness. Ameh reiterated that these actions breach the fundamental rights guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

He added that if these actions were indeed sponsored or encouraged by anyone associated with the state government, it would be deeply troubling and must be thoroughly investigated. Ameh called on the Benue State Government to openly condemn the incident and ensure that Peter Obi's visit to the state proceeds without distractions or further interference.

He reiterated that Benue deserves leadership that protects its people and respects constitutional rights, not actions that harass, intimidate, or humiliate citizens. He urged relevant authorities to investigate the incident transparently and ensure that those responsible are held accountable, regardless of their affiliations with the APC.