The Anambra State Obidient Movement has called on the Federal Government, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to guarantee a safe and level playing field for all candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call followed the reported blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue State.
Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was reportedly travelling to Yelwata in Benue State on Tuesday to sympathise with communities affected by deadly attacks when his convoy was stopped along Gboko Road in Makurdi.
Videos circulating online showed a crowd blocking the road, with reports that some protesters chanted, “We don’t want Peter Obi.”
The Nigeria Police Force later confirmed that youths blocked the convoy but said the reason for the action was unknown, adding that investigations were ongoing.
The movement said the incident underscored growing concerns over political intolerance and warned against allowing intimidation, violence and thuggery to shape Nigeria’s electoral process.
Reacting after a meeting of its State Executive in Awka, the Anambra Obidient Movement described the development as disturbing and urged authorities to ensure it did not become a pattern ahead of the 2027 polls.
In a statement jointly signed by the State Lead Coordinator, Chief Comrade Charles Anueyiagu, and Secretary, Comrade Edwin Utazi, the group said the incident should not be dismissed as an ordinary political confrontation.
“No electoral victory is worth the blood of a Nigerian. No political disagreement justifies an attack on another citizen,” the statement said.
The movement maintained that political intimidation threatens not only candidates but also the constitutional rights of Nigerians to participate freely in the democratic process.
While noting allegations of political sponsorship surrounding the incident, the group urged investigators to establish the facts rather than treat such claims as established.
It, however, insisted that anyone found to have organised or participated in unlawful obstruction or violence should face the full weight of the law.
“We demand accountability. We demand equal protection under the law. We demand a political environment where every Nigerian can choose freely without fear,” the statement added.
The group urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Benue State Government and other relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable.
It also appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to avoid using young people as instruments of political confrontation.
According to the movement, Nigeria’s political future should be driven by policy debates, persuasion and peaceful competition rather than road blockades, threats and violence.
“Elections are contests of ideas, policies and competing visions for the future. They must never become contests of intimidation, road blockades, threats or physical violence,” the statement said.
READ ALSO: Obi’s Benue Blockade Undemocratic, Raises Alarm Ahead of 2027
The movement further urged the Federal Government, security agencies and INEC to work together to ensure that every candidate, regardless of political affiliation, can campaign, travel and engage voters without fear of intimidation or obstruction.
It argued that if a presidential candidate could reportedly be prevented from moving freely during a political or humanitarian visit, it raised broader concerns about the safety of ordinary Nigerians.
The group therefore called on all stakeholders to reject what it described as the normalisation of political thuggery ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Enough of political thuggery. Enough of intimidation. Nigeria must choose democracy over violence,” Anueyiagu and Utazi declared.
Also speaking after the meeting, a stakeholder in the Anambra Obidient Movement, Mr. Paul Chuks Umenduka, urged political actors across the country to avoid actions capable of triggering violence as the 2027 elections approach.
He said the road to 2027 should be defined by ideas, accountability and persuasion, insisting that political disagreements must always be resolved through democratic means rather than intimidation or violence.
