AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL SLAMS BENUE GOVT OVER BLOCKADE OF OBI’S CONVOY

September 10, 2026 • Dons Eze • 1 min read

Amnesty International Nigeria has lambasted the blockade of the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benue state.

In a statement on its verified X handle on Wednesday, Amnesty International described the development as a dangerous act of political repression, stating that it is totally unacceptable.

According to the organisation, the incident raised serious concerns about political freedom and the safety of opposition candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

It further stated that Nigerians should be free to travel to any part of the country without seeking permission or providing prior notification, regardless of their political affiliation.

“Amnesty International deeply is concerned by the reckless and unlawful use of political thugs that blocked the presidential candidate of opposition NDC Peter Obi from entering Benue State.

“No Nigerian needs anybody’s permission or prior notification to visit any part of the country — at all times. No state is a no-go area for any person or supporters of any political party,” Amnesty International said.

There was tension in Benue State on Tuesday after suspected thugs allegedly blocked a major road as Obi arrived in the state.

Speaking after the incident, Obi decried the state of Nigerian politics, clarifying that his presence in the state was strictly humanitarian rather than campaign-driven.

Dons Eze

DONS EZE, PhD, Political Philosopher and Journalist of over four decades standing, worked in several newspaper houses across the country, and rose to the positions of Editor and General Manager. A UNESCO Fellow in Journalism, Dr. Dons Eze, a prolific writer and author of many books, attended several courses on Journalism and Communication in both Nigeria and overseas, including a Postgraduate Course on Journalism at Warsaw, Poland; Strategic Communication and Practical Communication Approach at RIPA International, London, the United Kingdom, among others.