The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and the Benue State Government have traded accusations following the disruption of Obi’s planned visit to Yelwata.
Obi had travelled to Benue State to sympathise with families affected by the deadly June 2025 attack in Yelwata, but his convoy was stopped by youths who barricaded part of Gboko Road in Makurdi.
The incident occurred near the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport, where protesters reportedly blocked the road and chanted opposition to Obi’s presence.
The blockade disrupted traffic for several hours and eventually forced the former Anambra State governor to abandon the journey and return to Jos, Plateau State.
The Yelwata attack, which occurred between June 13 and 14, 2025, reportedly claimed more than 200 lives and displaced residents, while homes and other property were destroyed.
Speaking at the scene, Obi alleged that youths had been mobilised to prevent him from reaching Yelwata.
He claimed he was informed that the youths were allegedly led by a Special Assistant to the state government.
Obi described the incident as unacceptable, arguing that his visit was humanitarian and intended to show solidarity with families who lost loved ones in the attack.
He also questioned why people affected by poverty and insecurity would be involved in preventing a political leader from visiting victims of violence.
The NDC candidate said his itinerary had not been concealed from the relevant security authorities.
The NDC governorship candidate in Benue State, Prof. Terhemba Shija, said the party had informed security agencies about Obi’s planned visit.
According to Shija, the police and Department of State Services deployed personnel to accompany Obi’s team.
He maintained that the visit was not organised as a campaign rally but was intended to allow Obi to meet families affected by the Yelwata killings.
Shija argued that there was no justification for stopping a presidential candidate who had notified the relevant security agencies about his movement.
He described the incident as evidence of growing political tension and claimed that Obi’s increasing political influence was responsible for the opposition to his visit.
The Benue State Government denied any role in organising or sponsoring the youths who blocked Obi’s convoy.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, said Obi should have formally notified the state government about his visit.
Iorpev argued that Obi, being a former governor and presidential candidate, required adequate security coordination during his movement within the state.
He said the state government had a responsibility to ensure the safety of high-profile visitors but could not effectively provide such protection if it was not formally informed of their movements.
The commissioner also denied knowing the identity of the youths who blocked the road.
He suggested that the incident could have coincided with the movement of youths from different local government areas but maintained that the government had no knowledge of the protesters responsible for the blockade.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Kula Tersoo, also denied any involvement by the governor or the state government.
Tersoo described Obi’s allegation as unfounded and said the incident should not be linked to Governor Alia.
He argued that if there were genuine security concerns surrounding Obi’s visit, recognised security agencies would have been responsible for addressing them.
The governor’s spokesman further said the administration was opposed to political thuggery and relied on security agencies to maintain peace in the state.
He urged the public to disregard claims connecting the governor to the blockade.
The police account provided another dimension to the dispute.
The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, confirmed that the police command had been informed of Obi’s visit.
Nwadiogbu said he directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to personally lead officers assigned to provide security for the presidential candidate.
According to the CP, the police were later informed that youths had blocked the road because they did not want Obi to proceed.
He said the command had tactically managed the situation but would investigate why the youths prevented Obi from continuing his journey.
The police spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, also confirmed that officers were deployed for Obi’s movement to Yelwata.
He said the reason for the blockade remained unknown and that an investigation was underway.
After leaving Benue, Obi travelled to Plateau State, where he visited a community in Mangu Local Government Area affected by insecurity.
Speaking to internally displaced persons, the NDC candidate criticised the continued existence of IDP camps and urged the Federal Government to take stronger measures to protect communities.
Obi said government had the primary responsibility of protecting lives and dealing with those responsible for killings and kidnappings.
He also expressed concern over the humanitarian consequences of attacks in Plateau, claiming that about 45,000 people from more than 20 communities had been displaced.
According to Obi, insecurity had also disrupted education and prevented children from attending school.
He said his visit was not for campaign purposes but to reassure displaced Nigerians that they had not been forgotten.
The incident has attracted reactions from political figures and civil society organisations.
The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, condemned the obstruction of Obi’s movement.
Aondoakaa argued that Nigerians had constitutional rights to freedom of movement, association and participation in political activities.
He called for an impartial investigation and prosecution of anyone found responsible for obstructing Obi’s movement.
Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal also condemned the incident, describing the reported obstruction as unacceptable and inconsistent with democratic politics.
Tambuwal said political candidates should be able to travel across the country, meet citizens and campaign without intimidation.
He urged the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant security authorities to investigate the incident and identify those responsible.
The NDC called for an immediate investigation into the blockade and the prosecution of anyone found culpable.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said Obi’s visit was intended to identify with victims and families affected by the Yelwata massacre.
READ MORE: Benue: Obi’s Visit Blocked As Youths Stop Convoy From Reaching Yelwata
The National Electoral Accountability Consortium and Tap Initiative for Citizens’ Development also called for an independent investigation.
The groups said videos and reports from the scene showed individuals blocking the road and moving towards vehicles in Obi’s convoy, but stressed that the identities and motives of those involved had not been established.
They urged security agencies to conduct a prompt and transparent investigation and cautioned political parties and their supporters against inflammatory rhetoric and intimidation as the 2027 election approaches.
The latest confrontation is not the first dispute between Obi and the Benue State Government over his visits to the state.
In April 2025, Obi alleged that he had been prevented from visiting Benue on humanitarian grounds.
The renewed disagreement comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.
With restrictions on political activities lifted, parties and candidates are increasing consultations, mobilisation and engagements across the country.
The incident in Makurdi has therefore added to concerns about political tensions and the ability of rival political actors to operate freely as the next election approaches.
