The Benue Strategic Alliance for Tinubu 2027, a coalition of leaders and stakeholders from the APC, PDP and Labour Party, has condemned the reported attack, harassment and intimidation of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the NDC, during his visit to Benue State.
The group alleged that thugs were mobilised by agents of the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia to prevent Obi from visiting communities affected by the Yelwata massacre.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group’s Publicity Secretary and APC chieftain, Dr Dominic Alancha, described the alleged incident as “executive lawlessness” and “an assault on democracy.”
Alancha said Obi had visited Benue to sympathise with families and communities affected by the massacre but was instead allegedly confronted by thugs.
“Peter Obi came to Benue to sympathise with families and communities devastated by the Yelwata massacre. Instead of compassion and hospitality, he was reportedly met with thuggery and intimidation.
“This represents executive lawlessness at its worst and a dangerous assault on democratic values,” he said.
According to him, political differences should not be used to justify violence or restrict citizens’ freedom of movement.
“The people of Benue are peaceful, hospitable and respectful. Political differences have never been a licence for violence.
“The Alia administration must not confuse the possession of government power with ownership of Benue State. Benue belongs to its people, not to any individual or political clique,” Alancha said.
The group maintained that political parties and candidates should seek electoral support through persuasion, engagement and the ballot box rather than intimidation.
“The Alliance believes that elections are won through engagement, persuasion, credible structures and the ballot box—not through thugs, threats or intimidation.
“Those who cannot tolerate a political opponent visiting grieving communities have no moral authority to lecture anyone about democracy,” he said.
The coalition called on Nigerians and other lovers of democracy to condemn the alleged incident and ensure that citizens were allowed to freely exercise their constitutional rights.
“We call on all lovers of democracy to condemn this disturbing development and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, can move freely and exercise their constitutional rights in Benue State.
“No government or political group should use power to intimidate citizens or suppress legitimate political activities,” the statement said.
The group also declared its intention to continue mobilising support across party lines for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
“The Benue Strategic Alliance for Tinubu 2027 will continue to mobilise across party lines for democratic change and the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
“Our commitment is to a democratic process in which political differences are resolved through dialogue, persuasion, participation and the ballot box,” it said.
The group further said it expected Governor Alia to be replaced through the ballot box, arguing that such a change would restore what it described as the principles of law, order, tolerance and accountability in the state.
“When Alia is replaced through the ballot box, we believe Benue will return to the principles of law, order, tolerance, accountability and responsible governance.
