The OK Movement, a political platform mobilising support for the joint ticket of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, has warned that it will no longer tolerate attempts to obstruct or attack Obi’s convoy during political engagements.

The group said its decision to restrain its members from immediate reprisal following the reported attack on Obi in Benue State was a deliberate demonstration of leadership, discipline and responsibility.

In a statement signed by its National Director-General, Hon. John Ughulu, the movement strongly condemned what it described as a shameful attack and obstruction of Obi ahead of the 2027 general elections, allegedly carried out by suspected hired thugs in the state.

The group stressed that every presidential aspirant and political leader has a constitutional right to visit and campaign in any part of Nigeria, adding that no state government, political party or individual has the authority to intimidate, harass or obstruct legitimate political activities through violence or thuggery.

The OK Movement, which comprises supporters from the Obidient Movement and Kwankwasiyya, said it chose peace because it would not allow political provocation to push its supporters into unnecessary confrontation.

“The fact that our security personnel exercised restraint in the face of provocation should never be interpreted as weakness, fear or lack of capacity,” the statement said.

“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. However, we will not tolerate a situation where such restraint is repeatedly tested or exploited.”

The movement said it has the organisational capacity to protect its members and maintain order within the limits of the law, adding that it would take “every lawful and necessary countermeasure” whenever the safety of its leaders and members is threatened.

It therefore warned against further attempts to use political thuggery, intimidation or what it described as state-sponsored violence to frustrate the activities of the OK Movement or any other political organisation.

“This is not the Nigeria we want to build. Democracy cannot survive where political opponents are attacked simply because they choose to visit or campaign in a particular state,” the group said.

It urged security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the Benue incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation or position.

The movement also called on the international community, diplomatic missions, election observers and democracy-monitoring organisations to take note of incidents of political violence and intimidation as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

“The OK Movement remains 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 statement added.