# Amnesty International Condemns Violent Attack on Gombe Political Convoy Rights group demands investigation after armed thugs targeted PDP candidate Isa Pantami's campaign convoy. - **Source:** [Premium Times Nigeria](https://www.premiumtimesng.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c9718a5a-198a-4fa5-aaca-fbb058dd7d41 ## Violent Campaign Obstruction Amnesty International has officially condemned a violent attack on the campaign convoy of Isa Pantami, the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Gombe State. The incident occurred on Wednesday along Jekadafari Road. Armed individuals reportedly used burning tires to barricade the highway, effectively preventing the candidate from entering the state capital. ## Allegations Against Ruling Party Preliminary findings released by the human rights organization suggest that the perpetrators of this attack are suspected to be affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress. The group highlighted that such actions represent a deliberate attempt to suppress opposition participation. No arrests have been reported by local security agencies following the incident. ## Evidence of Targeted Aggression Viral video footage captured during the confrontation shows large groups of armed thugs actively blocking the road. The attackers systematically smashed the windscreens of multiple vehicles within the convoy. This aggressive display brought all vehicular traffic on the major highway to a complete standstill, creating a dangerous environment for all road users. ## Escalation of Political Hostility Amnesty International characterized this event as one of the most severe acts of political violence recorded since the 2027 election campaign cycle began. The organization warned that the lack of immediate accountability creates a dangerous precedent. This pattern of unchecked hostility threatens the fundamental prospect of peaceful political participation in Gombe. ## Demands for Judicial Accountability The rights group has issued a formal demand for security agencies to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the violence. They emphasized that those responsible must be brought to justice through a fair trial process. Amnesty International insists that impunity for such acts will only encourage further instability in the region. ## Threats to Democratic Participation The organization expressed deep concern that consistent violent attacks against opposition figures will make it impossible to hold peaceful political activities. By intimidating candidates and their supporters, these actions undermine the democratic process. The group reiterated that violence has no place in a democracy and must be condemned by all parties. ## Call for Political Responsibility Amnesty International urged all political parties to issue clear and unequivocal directives to their supporters. The goal is to ensure that campaign activities remain free from intimidation, aggression, or physical violence. As the 2027 election cycle intensifies, the group stresses that party leadership must take responsibility for the conduct of their followers. ## Broader Implications for Stability The attack on the convoy highlights the fragile nature of political competition in the state. If left unaddressed, such incidents could lead to further cycles of retaliation and instability. Observers are now watching to see if security forces will take concrete steps to secure the campaign environment for all political candidates involved. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/924624-amnesty-condemns-attack-on-pantamis-campaign-convoy-in-gombe.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._