A cross-party political coalition, the Benue Strategic Alliance for Tinubu 2027, has strongly condemned the alleged attack, harassment, and intimidation of former Presidential Candidate Mr Peter Obi during his recent visit to Benue State.

The incident reportedly occurred when thugs, allegedly mobilised by agents of the state government under Governor Hyacinth Alia, confronted Obi during a condolence visit to victims of the Yelwata massacre.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the alliance’s Publicity Secretary and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Dr Dominic Alancha, described the action as “an executive lawlessness” and “a dangerous assault on democratic values.”

The coalition—which comprises leaders and stakeholders from the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP)—expressed deep concern over the declining political tolerance in the state, emphasising that Benue people are naturally peaceful and hospitable.

“Peter Obi came to Benue to sympathise with families and communities devastated by the Yelwata massacre,” Alancha stated. “Instead of compassion and hospitality, he was reportedly met with thuggery and intimidation. The Alia administration must not confuse holding government power with owning Benue State. Benue belongs to its people, not to any individual or political clique.”

Alancha noted that political authority is won through democratic engagement rather than coercion, adding that state officials should focus on governance rather than suppressing opposition figures.

“The Alliance believes that elections are won through engagement, persuasion, credible structures, and the ballot box—not through thugs, threats, or intimidation,” he said. “Those who cannot tolerate a political opponent visiting grieving communities have no moral authority to lecture anyone about democracy.”

Calling on democratic stakeholders nationwide to speak out against the harassment, the group reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values while mobilising support across party lines for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

“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,” Alancha added. “Enough of executive lawlessness. Enough of political thuggery. Enough of intimidation.” (The Nation)