BY JULIET EKWENUGO

KADUNA

The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has condemned the alleged obstruction of the convoy of the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, in Benue State, describing the development as disturbing ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi was reportedly travelling to Yelwata to commiserate with communities affected by the killings in the area when his convoy was stopped along the Gboko Road in Makurdi. Reports said protesters barricaded the road, preventing the convoy from proceeding.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, NOSCEF said, “Democracy is not madness and politics is not a war.”

The group warned that political intimidation and restrictions on the movement of political actors could undermine peaceful political competition ahead of the 2027 elections.

The elders urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure that political actors are allowed to move freely across the country.

“Nigeria is a civilized and democratic nation, and the people of Benue State are traditionally known as peaceful, hospitable and welcoming people,” Oibe said.

NOSCEF also expressed concern over reports of the alleged use of thugs or other unofficial forces to prevent a political figure from moving freely.

“The alleged deployment of thugs or other unofficial forces to obstruct a political figure from moving freely within the country is frightening and sends a dangerous signal ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the statement said.

According to the elders, such political intolerance could create an atmosphere in which opposition politicians and their supporters feel threatened or unsafe.

“Democracy thrives on the freedom to move, associate, campaign, express opinions and visit communities without intimidation or obstruction,” Oibe said.

The group said that if allegations that the obstruction was carried out on the instructions of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, were established, it would amount to an unacceptable assault on democratic values.

NOSCEF called on President Tinubu to intervene, recalling his role in Nigeria’s struggle for democratic governance and civilian rule.

“NOSCEF therefore calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has himself played a historic role in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy and civilian rule, to urgently intervene and call the Benue State Government to order,” Oibe said.

The elders also urged the Federal Government to ensure that similar incidents do not become a pattern as the 2027 elections approach.

They further appealed to youths in Benue State not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political intimidation or violence.

The group also raised concerns about the proposed establishment of state police, warning that security structures under the control of political actors could potentially be abused against political opponents.

“A security architecture that can be manipulated against political opponents would be a nightmare for democracy and a serious threat to peaceful political competition,” NOSCEF warned.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Government has denied involvement in the incident, saying it was not aware of Obi’s visit to the state. The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, also said the government did not patronise thugs.

The state police command also said it had advance information about Obi’s visit and made security arrangements for his movement, including assigning the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to lead the security team.

NOSCEF urged political leaders and security agencies to protect the democratic rights of all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation.