Why Obi's Supporters Stayed Calm During Benue Blockade, OK Movement

The OK Movement, which is supporting Peter Obi and Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso for the presidential election, has explained why their security team did not fight back when Obi's convoy was blocked during his visit to Benue State.

John Ughulu, the Director-General and founder of the movement, shared this information in a statement released in Abuja on Friday.

The OK Movement includes members from the Obidient movement, Kwankwasiyya, the New Nigeria People’s Party, and the African Democratic Congress. They condemned the blocking of Obi's visit and called for a fair investigation into what happened.

Ughulu said their members chose to stay calm to avoid escalating the situation into violence. He emphasized that this choice was to promote peace and responsible political behavior.

He stated, “We want to make one point absolutely clear concerning the conduct of the OK Movement Security Team. The fact that our security personnel exercised restraint in the face of provocation should never be interpreted as weakness, fear or lack of capacity.

“Our decision to restrain our people was a deliberate act of leadership and responsibility. We chose peace because we understand that Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we will not allow political provocation to push our supporters into unnecessary confrontation.

“Restraint is not weakness. Restraint is discipline.”

Ughulu added that Obi, as a presidential candidate, has the right to visit any part of Nigeria for political reasons.

“Let it be clearly understood: Peter Obi, like every other presidential aspirant and political leader, has a legal and constitutional right to visit and campaign in every part of Nigeria.

“No state government, political party or individual has the authority to intimidate, harass or obstruct a legitimate political movement through violence or thuggery,” he stressed.

He warned that the movement would take legal actions to protect its members if provocations continued.

He said, “However, we will not tolerate a situation where such restraint is repeatedly tested or exploited. The OK Movement has the capacity and organisational structures necessary to protect its members and maintain order within the limits of the law.

“We will continue to act responsibly, but we will also take every lawful and necessary countermeasure available to us whenever the safety of our leaders and members is threatened.

“We therefore issue a clear warning against any further attempt to use political thuggery, intimidation or state-sponsored violence to frustrate the legitimate activities of the OK Movement or any other political movement. This is not the Nigeria we want to build.”

Ughulu urged security agencies to look into the incident and ensure that those behind it face justice.

He also warned against political violence and intimidation as the 2027 general elections approach.

“We call on the security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the Benue incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable under the law, regardless of political affiliation or position.

“Democracy cannot survive where political opponents are attacked simply because they choose to visit or campaign in a particular state. Elections should be won through ideas, competence, persuasion and the votes of the people, not through intimidation, violence or political thuggery,” he said.

Ughulu's concerns came two days after Obi and the Benue State Government argued over the blocking of his planned visit to Yelwata. Obi wanted to pay respects to families of victims of a recent deadly attack in the community.

Obi's convoy was reportedly stopped on Gboko Road, close to the Nigerian Air Force base and Makurdi Airport, after some youths blocked the road and shouted, “We don’t want Peter Obi.”

This situation caused traffic delays and forced Obi’s convoy to return to the airport, from where he went back to Abuja.

Obi accused some hired thugs, allegedly acting on a government aide's orders, of blocking his way. However, the Benue State Government denied any involvement. They said Obi did not follow the proper protocol by notifying the government of his visit. The government accused Obi of trying to create political drama from the incident.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed it was aware of Obi’s visit and had sent officers to ensure his safety.

The police stated they were looking into the reasons behind the blockage of Obi’s convoy and who was responsible.

Despite the situation, the OK Movement leader said they remain focused on peaceful political participation.

He said, “We remain committed to peaceful democratic participation, but our commitment to peace must never be mistaken for surrender.

“We will defend democracy. We will protect our people within the law. We will resist intimidation, and we will never accept political violence as a substitute for democracy. Nigeria belongs to all of us.

“The Federal Government and all relevant authorities must understand that Nigerians and the international community are watching. We strongly hold the government accountable for protecting the constitutional rights, safety and freedom of every political actor and citizen.