The Right Group “Amnesty International” has condemned the violence that disrupted the convoy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, calling on security agencies to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
The human rights organisation described the attack, which occurred on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, along Jekadafari Road in Gombe metropolis, as a disturbing act of political violence allegedly aimed at preventing Pantami from entering the state capital for a campaign-related reception and rally.
In a statement posted on its verified social media handle “Facebook”, Amnesty International said the attackers were suspected to be political thugs allegedly working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), although their identities and political affiliations have not been independently established.
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The organisation said videos circulating on social media showed large numbers of youths blocking the road with tyres before setting them ablaze, while several vehicles in the PDP convoy reportedly had their windscreens smashed.
The incident disrupted vehicular movement, caused panic among residents and motorists, and forced some traders and business owners in the area to close their shops over fears that the situation could escalate into further violence.
Pantami, a former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, was in Gombe for a grand reception and political rally organised by the PDP state chapter following the publication of his name on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) list of governorship candidates for the 2027 elections.
Despite the roadblock and reported attacks on vehicles, his motorcade eventually made its way through the affected area and continued towards the rally venue.
Amnesty International described the incident as one of the most disturbing acts of political violence since preparations for the 2027 general elections began, warning that repeated attacks on opposition political activities could undermine democratic participation and prevent political parties from campaigning peacefully.
The organisation called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that anyone suspected of involvement is brought to justice through a fair trial.
It also expressed concern that no arrests had initially been reported, stressing that the failure to hold perpetrators accountable could encourage further attacks against opposition parties and their supporters.
However, the Gombe State Police Command on Thursday confirmed the attack and announced that investigations were ongoing.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Buhari Abdullahi, said no arrests had been made as of Thursday morning, adding that the command was working to identify those responsible.
He explained that security personnel had been deployed to maintain order but some individuals allegedly took advantage of the movement of the crowd to barricade parts of the road and attack vehicles.
The police spokesman also said the command could not establish the exact number of vehicles affected because no formal complaints had been lodged by the owners.
He urged members of the public with credible information to assist the investigation and assured that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted.
Meanwhile, the APC Campaign Council in Gombe State has also accused some PDP supporters of destroying properties belonging to residents and APC members during the political activities.
The council’s Deputy Director of Media, Dahiru Hassan Kera, alleged that vehicles, shops and billboards were vandalised, describing the reported incidents as undemocratic and capable of heightening political tension.
The APC council called on security agencies to investigate the allegations and urged its supporters to avoid reprisal attacks. The allegations against PDP supporters have not been independently established.
Amnesty International, however, maintained that violence has no place in a democratic society and urged all political parties to issue clear directives to their supporters against engaging in intimidation, attacks or any other form of political violence.
The organisation warned that the ability of political parties to organise peaceful rallies, reach supporters and participate freely in the electoral process is essential to democratic governance.
It further called on political leaders to prioritise peaceful political engagement and ensure that disagreements over the 2027 elections do not degenerate into violence, destruction of property or threats to human lives.
The incident has renewed concerns about political security in Gombe State as preparations for the 2027 governorship election gather momentum, with calls growing for security agencies to ensure that all political parties and their candidates can carry out lawful activities without intimidation.