The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called for a probe into the alleged attack on the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his entourage in Benue State.
SERAP called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to take over the investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice where there is sufficient evidence.
According to SERAP, Obi was reportedly visiting Benue State on Tuesday when suspected thugs confronted and stopped his convoy along Gboko Road in Makurdi, close to the Air Force Base.
The organization said the incident occurred shortly after Obi’s convoy arrived in the state, adding that the Benue State Police Command had confirmed the incident and commenced an investigation.
SERAP, however, argued that the IGP should take over the case to guarantee an independent and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the reported attack.
It said the investigation should also determine whether any public officials, political actors, or other individuals were involved in, sponsored, facilitated, or condoned the incident.
SERAP stated, “We condemn the reported attack on @PeterObi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and his entourage in Benue State and urge President @officialABAT to direct the Inspector-General of Police, @TunjiDisu1, to take over the investigation into the incident, ensure a prompt, thorough, impartial, transparent, and effective investigation.”
The organization further called on the authorities to identify anyone responsible for the attack, as well as anyone who may have sponsored, facilitated, or otherwise aided the incident, with a view to prosecution where there is sufficient admissible evidence.
Describing the incident as a serious threat to political participation and Nigeria’s democratic process, SERAP said attacks against political actors could have wider implications for the country’s civic space, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
“The reported attack is a serious threat to political participation, civic space, and Nigeria’s democratic process,” the organization said.
SERAP also stressed the need for politicians, political candidates, journalists, civil society actors, and other citizens to be able to exercise their rights without fear of intimidation or violence.
It said the alleged attack should be considered against the background of Nigeria’s history of political violence, intimidation, and impunity, warning that failure to properly investigate such incidents could encourage similar acts in the future.
“No individual or political group should be above the law. Impunity for political violence can only embolden further attacks and threaten the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process,” SERAP said.
The organization maintained that an effective investigation and prosecution of those found culpable would not only provide justice to victims but also send a strong message that political violence would not be tolerated.
It further urged the government and security agencies to protect Nigeria’s civic and political space ahead of the 2027 elections, saying citizens must be allowed to participate in political activities freely and peacefully.