By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA — Vice-Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Tuesday condemned the reported attack on the convoy of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benue State, describing the incident as ‘another dark day’ for Nigeria’s democracy.
Kwankwaso said what made the incident particularly disturbing was the reported attempt to stop Obi from entering Makurdi, arguing that political differences should never become a reason to deny anyone the basic right to move freely across the country.
Speaking at the Rebuild Nigeria Summit organised by OKAY A NEW NIGERIA Initiative, Kwankwaso said the Benue State Government must move swiftly to establish what happened, bring those responsible to justice and ensure the safety of Obi and his entourage.
“I am deeply disturbed by the attack on the convoy of our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as he travelled to Benue State.
“The Benue State Government must, as a matter of urgency, ensure that those responsible are swiftly identified and prosecuted. It must also guarantee the safety and free movement of our candidate and his entourage,” Kwankwaso said.
He also turned his appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to rein in state governors, particularly those in the ruling party, whose actions could undermine democratic freedoms.
“I further urge the President to caution state governors, particularly those in his party against any actions that could undermine the sanctity of our democracy,” Kwankwaso said.
The former Kano Governor also called on diplomatic missions and international election observation groups to take note of the development, saying the incident should reinforce the need for Nigerian authorities to protect opposition politicians and uphold the rule of law.
Earlier, National Coordinator of OKAY A NEW NIGERIA, Hon. Chibuisi Mba, said the summit was aimed at mobilising support groups and preparing for the 2027 elections, urging Nigerians to reject vote-buying and ethnic or religious considerations.
According to him, Nigerians had endured years of insecurity, economic hardship and political manipulation, accusing politicians of exploiting poverty through vote-buying and empowerment programmes.
Mba also accused the administration of President Tinubu of mishandling the nation’s commonwealth, alleging that rising borrowing was not translating into sufficient investment in schools, hospitals and roads.
His focus then shifted to the ballot box, where he said opposition parties and support groups must learn from the mistakes of 2023 and prepare for a more disciplined and vigilant campaign in 2027.
Pointing to the Osun election as a template for voter mobilization, education, and result tracking, Mba said opposition supporters must learn from the 2023 experience and remain vigilant at polling units.
“We will not give them an inch. It will be bumper to bumper at the polling units,” Mba declared.
He said the movement would begin its mobilisation from the grassroots, insisting that the 2027 contest should be about Nigeria and the future of its children.
“This is not about name. This is not about religion. This is not about ethnicity or tribe. This is about Nigeria. This is about the future of our children,” he said.
Mba urged supporters to begin the campaign from the grassroots with the objective of installing Obi and Kwankwaso as President and Vice-President in 2027.
“There should be no docility at this time. The work starts now. Door to door. Ward to ward. LGA to LGA. Until we install Mr. Peter Obi as President and Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as Vice President, come 2027,” he said.
Also in attendance at the summit were Kwankwaso’s longtime political associate Alhaji Buba Galadima and activist Aisha Yesufu.
