By Jude Dangwam
Amnesty International Nigeria has raised the alarm over the alleged use of armed political thugs to block the presidential candidate of the opposition Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, from entering Benue State, describing the incident as a serious threat to political participation and democratic freedoms.
The human rights organisation said the incident, which occurred along Gboko Road in Makurdi, the state capital, appeared to be a coordinated attempt to intimidate the opposition entourage and restrict its freedom of movement.
The international organisation in a statement made available on their official page noted, “No Nigerian needs anybody’s permission or prior notification to visit any part of the country at all times,” stressing that no state should become a “no-go area” for political candidates, supporters or any other Nigerian.
It accused the Benue State Government of having questions to answer over what it described as a “brazen act of political repression,” while calling on relevant authorities to investigate the incident and bring suspected perpetrators to justice.
According to the organisation, denying political candidates access to parts of the country or restricting their ability to conduct political activities violates constitutional provisions and undermines the principles of democratic participation.
Amnesty International said the alleged attack on the NDC entourage was not an isolated incident but part of a growing pattern of political repression it had been documenting since last year, including alleged attempts to prevent opposition parties from holding political meetings and direct attacks on their political activities.
The organisation expressed concern that heavily armed youths were allegedly deployed to barricade Gboko Road, creating a situation that it said placed the opposition entourage at risk.
“Harassment of rival candidates by state-endorsed armed vigilante groups or thugs is unlawful,” Amnesty said, warning that political intolerance and incitement could undermine the credibility of the electoral process if left unchecked.
It further accused the Nigerian authorities of doing too little to prevent political repression and violence, alleging that some states were adopting “unpronounced policy” measures aimed at shutting out political opposition.
The human rights body also expressed concern over what it described as the failure of relevant authorities to investigate previous incidents of political intimidation and prosecute those suspected to be responsible.
Amnesty International called on political parties and candidates to make opposition to electoral violence and political thuggery a central part of their campaigns, insisting that the 2027 electoral process must guarantee a level playing field for all political actors.
It warned that continued restrictions on opposition activities, intimidation and violence could weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Editor’s Note: Featured photo is courtesy of Amnesty International Nigeria.
