The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of resorting to intimidation and alleged thuggery to silence opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party’s allegation followed the reported obstruction of the convoy of the Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, during his visit to Yelwata, Benue State, on Tuesday.
Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, was reportedly heading to the community to commiserate with families affected by the recent killings when his convoy was allegedly blocked by suspected state-sponsored thugs.
Describing the incident as “deeply disturbing” and “totally unacceptable,” the APM said the development demonstrated what it called the APC’s growing desperation over the activities of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 poll.
In a statement issued in Ibadan on Wednesday and signed by Anthony Ehilebo, Special Adviser, Media and Digital Communication, to the APM Presidential Candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde, the party alleged that the incident was politically motivated.
“It is particularly worrisome that this targeted attack came barely 24 hours after Mr Peter Obi joined other notable opposition leaders to show solidarity with our principal, the Presidential Candidate of the APM, Engr. Seyi Makinde, at the inauguration of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office,” the statement said.
The party further accused the APC of being “rattled” by what it described as emerging opposition realignment, alleging that the ruling party had resorted to intimidation and harassment rather than political engagement.
The APM also faulted the reported position of the Benue State Government that Obi failed to obtain prior permission before visiting the state.
Citing Sections 40 and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the party maintained that Nigerians have the rights to freedom of association and movement, insisting that opposition leaders should not require political clearance to undertake legitimate activities in any part of the country.
“Setting up roadblocks and engaging thugs to stop opposition candidates have no place in a constitutional democracy,” it said.
The party consequently demanded an immediate police investigation into the incident and prosecution of anyone found responsible.
The APM said it remained committed to a peaceful electoral process, stressing that alleged intimidation would not force opposition parties out of the 2027 contest.
“We shall not be deterred nor cowed by the antics of those who seek to make peaceful participation impossible,” the party declared.
