Blocking Obi from visiting ravaged Benue community violated peace accord: NRM Presidential Candidate

National Rescue Movement presidential candidate Esther Okereke has condemned the Tuesday blockade of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue, calling it a violation of the recently signed political peace accord.

Ms Okereke, in an interview on Thursday in Abuja, said the blockade was totally against the spirit and letter of the accord signed by all presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

Ms Okereke questioned why any candidate should be restricted from travelling or engaging voters across the country. But Mr Obi said his planned visit was not about politics.

“About two weeks ago, we signed a peace accord. Peter Obi was there; every presidential candidate was there. The agreement was that we are going to campaign, conduct our rallies, talk to people and try to convince and debate peacefully without intimidation and without bullying.

“So now, why was he not allowed to enter Benue? Do we still have the rule of law in Nigeria? Why is he not allowed to enter Benue? We should ask that of the system,” she said.

The NRM presidential candidate urged political actors, security agencies, and state authorities to uphold constitutional guarantees on basic freedoms and the rule of law as electioneering intensified across the country.

Ms Okereke said all stakeholders must respect democratic principles to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

“Please, allow the rule of law to take place in Nigeria. This is democracy—freedom of speech, freedom of movement, and freedom to try to save the nation. It must always be the people first, and the nation always,” Ms Okereke said.

(NAN)