Labour Party (LP) candidate for the 2027 Delta North Senatorial Election, Mr. Rex Chinye Biose, has condemned the reported blockade and harassment of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in Benue State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, along the Makurdi-Gboko Highway, while Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, was in Benue on a condolence visit to survivors and families of victims of the 2025 terrorist attack on Yelwata community.
Biose described the development as a disturbing manifestation of political intolerance and civic irresponsibility, warning that such conduct could further damage Nigeria’s image before the international community.
He stressed that political disagreements and differences in party affiliation should never be allowed to degenerate into intimidation, harassment or violence.
The Delta North senatorial candidate commended the Benue State Police Command for its prompt intervention and the arrest of some of the alleged perpetrators.
However, Biose urged the police authorities to broaden their investigation to establish whether other individuals were involved in instigating, sponsoring or coordinating the incident beyond those physically present at the scene.
According to him, Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive in an environment where political differences are settled through thuggery, intimidation or mob action.
He therefore appealed to Nigerians, particularly young people, to reject political violence and intolerance as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
Biose also urged political leaders and candidates across party lines to refrain from recruiting, sponsoring or tacitly encouraging violent elements against their opponents.
«“Political competition is not warfare, and political opponents are not enemies of the state. We may disagree passionately over the election of our country, but we must never lose our humanity, our civility or our commitment to democracy.”»
Biose reaffirmed his commitment to a political culture anchored on issue-based engagement, peaceful democratic competition, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
He maintained that the Nigeria of the future must be built through ideas, responsible leadership and the power of the ballot, rather than intimidation and violence.
