The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has strongly condemned the alleged attack and blockage of the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in Makurdi, describing the incident as a “disgraceful assault on democracy.”
The incident occurred around 9:00 AM on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, along a major access road in Makurdi, Benue State.
Obi and his delegation were en route to engage NDC stakeholders and visit survivors of the Yelewata community, where over 200 people were killed in a violent massacre in 2025. The convoy was obstructed by armed suspected thugs chanting anti-Obi slogans, forcing the delegation to turn back.
Reacting to the development through an official statement issued on Tuesday by his Media Assistant, James Ian, Chief Aondoakaa expressed deep concern over the political violence.
Aondoakaa, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, alleged that the attack was led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Youths.
Citing violation of constitutional rights, The former AGF stated that section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees free movement and association, asserting that no individual or state administration has the authority to deny political leaders access to any part of the country.
He noted that the violent obstruction directly violates the recently signed Peace Accord by political parties committing to non-violent, issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The PDP candidate lamented that such intimidation portrays Benue State negatively to national and international communities, misrepresenting the hospitable culture of the Benue people.
Condemning the breach, the National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, released a statement confirming that Obi’s visit was purely humanitarian to mourn with victims and not political.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command confirmed the blockage and announced that an investigation into the perpetrators has commenced. Aondoakaa urged security agencies to conduct an impartial probe to bring all culprits to justice.
