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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has condemned the reported obstruction and attack on the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in Benue State, describing it as a manifestation of political intolerance that threatens Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement issued Wednesday and signed by its spokesperson, Comrade Diamond Bryan Agu, CUPP said Mr. Obi’s convoy was blocked by youths on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, along the Gboko Road and the Gboko–Makurdi Expressway in Makurdi as he traveled toward Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area.
Mr. Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, was in Benue in connection with activities relating to victims of the Yelwata killings.
CUPP called the incident “unacceptable in a constitutional democracy” and demanded an immediate investigation. While noting that allegations of political sponsorship are still subject to investigation, the coalition said it was troubling that an opposition presidential candidate was subjected to such treatment during a lawful visit within the country.
“Nigeria is not a political fiefdom. Benue State belongs to every Nigerian,” the statement read.
CUPP cited Sections 39, 40 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and freedom of movement. It argued that Mr. Obi “requires neither a visa nor political permission to enter Benue State or any other state of the federation,” and that his political identity cannot lawfully be used to restrict his movement or intimidate his supporters.
The coalition linked the Benue incident to what it described as a growing atmosphere of hostility toward opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. It referenced a February 24, 2026 attack in Benin City, Edo State, where Mr. Obi and other opposition figures were reportedly caught up in violence following an ADC engagement.
CUPP challenged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to prove that its commitment to democracy goes “beyond electoral rhetoric,” adding that “elections are not wars, and political opponents are not enemies of the state.”
It also called on Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to “rise above partisan considerations and demonstrate the virtues of tolerance, peace and human dignity expected of a leader and Catholic priest.”
“If political opponents cannot freely enter states governed by the ruling party, engage citizens and express their political views without intimidation, then Nigerians have every reason to question the quality of democracy being practised,” CUPP said.
The coalition demanded that the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services and other security agencies conduct what it termed a “painstaking, independent and transparent investigation” into the Benue incident, identify those responsible, and ensure prosecution.
“The opposition will not be intimidated,” the statement said. “CUPP warns that Nigeria cannot afford a 2027 campaign season characterised by political thuggery, intimidation, road blockades and violence. Such conduct is barbaric, anti-democratic and fundamentally incompatible with constitutional governance.”
CUPP stressed that the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory constitute one indivisible federation, and that no governor, party, or political group has the authority to determine which Nigerian may enter any part of the country.
It urged Nigerians to reject political intimidation and defend constitutional freedoms.
“Democracy must not be reduced to the freedom to vote on election day. It must include the freedom to campaign, organise, associate, travel and speak without fear,” the coalition concluded.
