Peter Obi Attack: Aondoakaa Demands Investigation, Condemns Political Violence in Benue

Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, has condemned the alleged attack on Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate Peter Obi in Makurdi, describing it as a “disgraceful assault on democracy.”

Aondoakaa, who previously served as Attorney General of the Federation, alleged that thugs led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Youths were responsible for the attack during Obi’s visit to the state.

Obi was reportedly in Benue to meet with NDC stakeholders and visit survivors of the June 13, 2025 Yelewata massacre, where more than 200 people were killed and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

In a statement issued by his Media Assistant, James Ian, Aondoakaa said the alleged attack violated fundamental constitutional rights, including freedom of movement, association and political participation.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of movement, association, and political participation,” he said.

He added: “No individual, group, or government has the authority to deny any Nigerian access to any part of the country on account of political affiliation.”

Aondoakaa noted that President Bola Tinubu had repeatedly called for presidential candidates and political leaders to have the freedom to travel across the country, interact with citizens and campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, “Any attempt to obstruct, intimidate, or attack a political leader exercising that right runs contrary to the spirit of democratic competition and undermines the President’s call for a peaceful and inclusive political process.”

He further argued that the alleged attack was contrary to the recently signed peace accord by political actors, which commits political parties and candidates to issue-based campaigns, non-violence and allowing political opponents to freely interact with voters without harassment or intimidation.

“Democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, not on violence and political intolerance,” he stressed.

The former Attorney General said the incident could damage the reputation of Benue State nationally and internationally, while urging Nigerians not to judge the entire state by the alleged conduct of politically motivated individuals.

“Benue people are renowned for their hospitality, civility, and respect for visitors. Our state has always welcomed people from different political, ethnic, and religious backgrounds,” he said.

“The attack on Mr. Peter Obi is therefore inconsistent with the true identity of our people and should be condemned by all lovers of democracy irrespective of political affiliation,” he added.

Aondoakaa also expressed concern that the alleged incident occurred while Benue residents were still grieving over the deaths of hundreds of citizens in violent attacks and dealing with widespread insecurity.

He alleged that the state government appeared unable to protect its citizens from violence while allegedly permitting political actors to target visitors and opponents.

“At a time when Benue people are mourning the loss of hundreds of innocent citizens to incessant attacks and grappling with widespread insecurity, the state government appears unable to prevent violence against its own people but quick to unleash political actors against visitors and opponents,” he alleged.

He maintained that a responsible government should not tolerate or encourage thuggery, intimidation or harassment of political opponents and visitors.

Aondoakaa subsequently called on security agencies to conduct a “thorough and impartial investigation” into the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable, regardless of political status or connections.

He also urged security agencies to ensure adequate protection for political actors and other Nigerians exercising their constitutional rights, while calling on Benue residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

He concluded by stressing that “violence, intimidation, and political thuggery have no place in the state’s political future.”

Africans Angle News