By Isaac Mission
The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that the Benue State Government was behind the disruption of Peter Obi’s visit to Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area.
Obi, the former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), had travelled to Benue to sympathise with families affected by deadly attacks in the state.
The visit was reportedly cut short after youths barricaded the route along the Makurdi-Gboko road near the Nigerian Air Force Base, preventing Obi’s convoy from proceeding towards Yelwata.
Reports indicated that some members of the crowd shouted at Obi to leave, while sticks were reportedly carried and stones thrown during the confrontation.
Rather than attempt to force his way through the blockade, Obi turned back. He maintained that his trip was humanitarian and was not connected to political campaigning.
Obi also alleged that a Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, was among those present with the group involved in the incident.
Reacting to the development, Sowore said the reported presence of a government official among the crowd raised concerns about possible official involvement.
He argued that no Nigerian should be prevented from travelling to any part of the country, regardless of political affiliation, and alleged that the incident was coordinated with the knowledge of state authorities.
Sowore further warned that incidents of political intimidation could become more serious as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
He expressed concern that if such actions were allowed to continue, they could create an environment in which political disagreements escalate into more dangerous forms of violence.
Benue Government Denies Allegation
The Benue State Government has rejected the allegation that it sponsored the obstruction of Obi’s convoy.
Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, said the government was not aware of Obi’s visit and denied claims that officials mobilised individuals to prevent the former governor from reaching Yelwata.
Kula questioned why the state administration would need to engage thugs to stop Obi, insisting that the government had no involvement in the incident.
He also stressed that Nigerians should be free to travel across the country irrespective of their political leanings.
According to him, political differences should not become a justification for preventing any politician from visiting communities or engaging with citizens.
The controversy comes amid continuing concerns over insecurity in Benue, particularly in communities that have suffered deadly attacks and displacement.
Obi’s media team said his trip was intended to enable him to meet affected families, mourn with them and offer support rather than conduct a campaign activity.
The NDC also condemned the incident and called for security agencies to investigate what happened, arguing that victims of violence should be able to receive solidarity from Nigerians regardless of political differences.
The latest dispute is not the first disagreement between Obi and the Benue State Government over a planned visit.
In April 2025, Obi’s proposed trip to Benue was also affected by concerns raised by the state government over unscheduled visits. The administration had said visitors to sensitive locations, including internally displaced persons’ camps, required appropriate clearance.
The latest incident has therefore renewed scrutiny of the relationship between Obi and the Benue Government as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gradually intensify.
