Adeyanju condemns reported attack on Peter Obi in Benue, demands action from Tinubu, Alia

Human rights lawyer and political activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the reported attack on the convoy of former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, in Benue State, describing the incident as a disturbing assault on the principles of democracy.

Adeyanju, in a strongly worded statement reacting to the reported incident on Tuesday, said the alleged attack was “completely repugnant to everything democracy stands for”, stressing that every Nigerian citizen has a constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of movement.

Obi was reportedly attacked by suspected thugs while travelling towards Yelwata, a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where he was expected to visit victims and communities affected by the recent deadly violence in the area.

Reacting to the development, Adeyanju said political disagreements could never constitute justification for restricting or attacking a citizen exercising his constitutional rights.

He expressed particular concern that the alleged incident involved a presidential candidate, warning that allowing political violence, intimidation and thuggery to become instruments of political engagement could pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic development.

“Politics is about competing ideas, policies and blueprints, not thuggery, intimidation or rigging,” Adeyanju said.

According to him, political actors and their supporters must learn to accommodate divergent political opinions rather than resort to violence or intimidation against opponents.

Adeyanju also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publicly and unequivocally condemn the reported attack, arguing that the Federal Government has a responsibility to protect democratic freedoms and ensure that citizens can move freely across the country irrespective of their political affiliations.

He equally urged the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, to take steps to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that his administration does not tolerate, encourage or provide cover for acts of political brigandage.

“The President must unequivocally condemn this incident, while the Governor of Benue State must ensure that his administration does not tolerate or encourage such brigandage,” he said.

The activist further cautioned political sycophants and individuals seeking to curry favour with those in power against engaging in actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic values.

He said political loyalty should not be allowed to override the rule of law, constitutional rights and the fundamental freedoms of citizens.

The reported attack on Obi has raised fresh concerns over political intolerance and the safety of political actors as Nigeria gradually moves towards the 2027 general elections.

Obi, who has emerged as one of the prominent opposition figures ahead of the elections, has continued to engage communities and stakeholders across the country as part of his political activities.

The incident in Benue, coming amid renewed concerns over violence and insecurity in parts of the state, is therefore likely to intensify calls for political parties, governments and security agencies to ensure that political activities are conducted peacefully and without intimidation.

Adeyanju’s intervention adds to growing calls for accountability over the reported incident, particularly regarding the identity of those responsible and the circumstances that led to the alleged confrontation involving Obi’s entourage.

For Adeyanju, the fundamental issue goes beyond political affiliation. He maintained that democracy cannot thrive where citizens are prevented from freely moving, campaigning, expressing political opinions or engaging with communities because of their political beliefs.

As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, the incident has once again underscored the need for political tolerance, respect for constitutional rights and firm action against political violence.

Adeyanju’s message is clear: political contests must be fought through ideas, policies and programmes, rather than through thuggery, intimidation or attempts to silence political opponents.