The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has condemned the blockade of his convoy by a group of youths in Benue State, describing the incident as unacceptable political “rascality” and warning that opposition supporters should not be pushed into confronting such groups themselves because of an alleged failure by the authorities to provide security.
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Obi’s convoy was stopped on Tuesday along Gboko Road near the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport shortly after he arrived in the state. Videos from the scene showed youths barricading the road, some carrying sticks and other objects, while chanting that they did not want Obi to proceed. The convoy eventually turned back.
Reacting to the incident, Obi said the continued use of violence and intimidation in political engagements could not be allowed to become normal.
“This rascality cannot be allowed. We too have our followers, and we have people who can confront them on our own if the state and the government can no longer provide us with security. We cannot go on like this. It’s unacceptable,” he said.
Obi, however, said his visit to Benue was not primarily for political campaigning but to commiserate with communities affected by killings and insecurity.
“I am in Benue not for a campaign. I only wanted to go to a place where people lost their lives and console them, show solidarity with them. But you can see the level at which our politics has degenerated,” he said.
He said he had travelled to the state to identify with victims and families affected by the Yelewata killings but was prevented from reaching his intended destination. Reports said the convoy was heading towards Yelewata when it was stopped.
Obi alleged that he had been informed that the blockade was organised by youths acting under the direction of a government aide.
@thenigerialawyer “This Rascality Cannot Be Allowed; We Too Have Our Followers” — Peter Obi Condemns Benue Convoy Blockade, Says State Must Provide Security
“I was told that youths, led by an SA to the government, have decided to block the road and make sure I don’t go there,” he said.
He described the development as evidence of how far political intolerance had deteriorated, arguing that young people already struggling with hunger and insecurity should not be mobilised for violent political activities.
“The rascality they are bringing into this country is totally unacceptable. People are being killed every day in Benue. People want to show that they are with them, and I came here all the way this morning, a long distance, only to be told what you are seeing here,” Obi said.
He warned that those allegedly using vulnerable young people for such purposes were exposing them and the wider society to consequences.
“These youths are being used to do this. What they are doing now will take its revenge on them. They don’t know that. And unfortunately, somebody sits in office and allows this to happen,” he said.
Obi maintained that his visit was not secret, saying relevant authorities were aware that he was coming to Benue.
“Everybody is aware I’m visiting this place today. It’s not a secret to them,” he said.
His photographer, Esther Umoh, also posted videos from the scene, saying the convoy had been prevented from proceeding from the airport into town.
“This is Gboko road; the entire road is blocked. We just touched down, and this is the only road from the airport into town. They said Peter Obi is not coming into the town to see the people he wanted to see. This is not acceptable. We should be able to do politics without going this low,” she said.
Footage reviewed by news organisations showed some of the youths pursuing the vehicles as the convoy retreated, while police personnel were also visible at the scene.
The Benue State Government, however, denied involvement in the incident.
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tersoo Kula, said the government was not aware that Obi was visiting the state and rejected allegations that the administration sponsored or patronised thugs.
“We are not aware of his coming to the state,” Kula said, adding that no youth was acting on behalf of the government.
“Our government doesn’t patronise thugs and, in any case, Obi is not a threat to the governor. We are not aware that Obi is coming to Benue,” he said.
The NDC governorship candidate in Benue, Prof. Terhemba Shija, however, said security agencies had been formally notified of Obi’s visit and had deployed personnel to accompany the convoy.
The Benue State Police Command subsequently confirmed that it was aware of Obi’s movement and had provided security for the visit.
“We can confirm that the Police are aware of the incident involving Peter Obi’s movement to Yelwata. Police operatives provided security for the movement,” the command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, said.
“The reason the convoy was blocked by some youths is still unknown. We are monitoring the situation and investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further updates will be provided accordingly.”
Obi said the incident should not deter political actors from advocating peaceful engagement, stressing that Nigeria belonged to everyone regardless of political affiliation.
“We have no other country except this place, and we will build it on unity and love with a sense of doing the right thing,” he said.
The episode is the latest controversy surrounding Obi’s visits to Benue. In 2025, an intended visit to internally displaced persons in the state also became contentious after the state government raised security and protocol concerns.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over the safety and freedom of movement of political actors ahead of the 2027 general election, even as the Benue Police Command says it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the blockade.
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