By Seun Ibiyemi
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned the reported attack on Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and his entourage in Benue State.
The organisation urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to take over the investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone responsible, including those who sponsored or facilitated the attack, is identified and prosecuted where there is sufficient admissible evidence.
Obi was reportedly visiting Benue State on Tuesday when suspected thugs confronted and stopped his convoy along Gboko Road in Makurdi, near the Air Force Base.
The incident reportedly occurred shortly after the convoy arrived in the state. The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the incident and commenced an investigation.
In a statement signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said the IGP should take over the case to ensure that the investigation was conducted independently and comprehensively.
SERAP said the investigation should determine whether any public officials, political actors or other persons were involved in, sponsored, facilitated or condoned the reported attack.
The organisation described the reported attack as a serious threat to political participation, civic space and Nigeria’s democratic process.
It said attacks, threats and intimidation against political actors undermine constitutionally and internationally guaranteed human rights and risk further shrinking Nigeria’s already fragile civic and political space, particularly as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.
SERAP urged the authorities to ensure that politicians, candidates, journalists, civil society actors and other citizens could freely exercise their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and political participation without fear of intimidation or attack.
The organisation also called on all political parties, candidates, supporters and public officials to refrain from threats, inflammatory rhetoric and violence, and to respect the rights of political opponents and citizens to participate freely in public affairs.
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According to SERAP, Nigeria cannot afford a repetition of the cycle of political violence and impunity that has undermined previous elections.
It urged President Tinubu to act swiftly to establish the facts, identify those responsible and their sponsors, hold them accountable and protect political participants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation said accountability for the reported attack was essential not only to secure justice but also to send a clear message that political violence and intimidation would not be tolerated.
