By Chinedum Treasure
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 the convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in Makurdi, Benue State, on Tuesday.
Obi was reportedly travelling to Yelwata to sympathise with communities affected by deadly violence when his convoy was stopped along Gboko Road.
Videos from the scene showed a crowd blocking the road, with reports that some protesters chanted, “We don’t want Peter Obi.”
The police later confirmed that youths had blocked the convoy but said the reason for the action was unknown, adding that an investigation was ongoing.
Reacting to the incident, the Anambra Obidient Movement described the development as disturbing and warned against the emergence of political intimidation and violence as features of the 2027 electoral process.
The position was contained in a statement issued after a meeting of the movement’s State Executive in Awka and jointly signed by its Lead Coordinator, Chief Comrade Charles Obiora Anueyiagu, and Secretary, Comrade Edwin Utazi.
The group said the incident should be properly investigated, particularly amid concerns over political intolerance ahead of the elections.
“No electoral victory is worth the blood of a Nigerian. No political disagreement justifies an attack on another citizen,” the group said.
The movement urged the Nigeria Police Force, Benue State Government and other relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable.
It also cautioned political parties, candidates and their supporters against using youths as instruments of political confrontation.
According to the group, the 2027 elections should be about ideas, policies and persuasion rather than intimidation, threats or violence.
“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 movement further called on the Federal Government, security agencies and INEC to ensure that every candidate, regardless of political affiliation, can campaign and engage with voters without fear of obstruction or violence.
Also speaking after the meeting, a stakeholder in the movement, Mr. Paul Chuks Umenduka, urged political actors to avoid actions capable of triggering violence.
He said the road to 2027 should be defined by ideas, accountability and democratic persuasion.
“Political disagreements must be settled through democratic means rather than intimidation or violence,” Umenduka said.
Tags: Peter Obi, 2027 Elections, Obidient Movement, Benue
