The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has accused suspected political thugs of blocking his convoy and chanting “Peter Obi, go back” as he attempted to visit victims and grieving families in Yelwata, Benue State.
Obi made the allegation in a statement personally signed and shared on his X handle on Tuesday, saying he arrived in Benue at about 9:00 a.m. for a solidarity and humanitarian visit following the deadly attack in Yelwata that left hundreds dead and thousands displaced.
According to Obi, his convoy was prevented from proceeding to the affected community by individuals he described as thugs.
“Regrettably, our convoy was prevented from proceeding to the community by thugs chanting, ‘Peter Obi, go back.’ It was deeply distressing to witness such hostility,” Obi stated.
The NDC presidential candidate said his mission to Benue was not political, insisting that he travelled to the state to mourn with families who had lost loved ones, listen to affected communities and offer comfort to victims of the violence.
“I came to Benue not for partisan politics, but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer comfort at a moment of unimaginable sorrow,” he said.
Obi condemned what he described as political hostility surrounding a humanitarian visit, arguing that the protection of human lives should take precedence over political considerations.
“At a time when our nation should be united in grief and resolute in preventing further bloodshed, we must reject any action capable of deepening our divisions,” he said.
He maintained that Nigerians, particularly residents of violence-prone communities in Benue, deserved to live without fear.
“The people of Benue—and all Nigerians—deserve to sleep without fear. They deserve to travel without fear. They deserve to cultivate their land without fear,” Obi added.
The former Anambra State governor also drew attention to his appearance the previous day at the inauguration of the national campaign office of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in Abuja, saying his attendance was intended to promote political tolerance and demonstrate that political opponents could engage one another with civility.
“Yesterday, I attended the opening of the national campaign office of an opposition presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde in Abuja,” Obi said.
“My presence was intended to demonstrate that politics can and should be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and civility.”
He recalled that while serving as governor of Anambra State, he welcomed opposition politicians who visited the state during electioneering, provided they operated within the law.
Obi expressed disappointment that he could not reach Yelwata because of the obstruction but vowed to continue campaigning for improved security and protection of lives across Nigeria.
“Although we were unable to reach the community today, our thoughts and prayers remain steadfastly with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community,” he stated.
“We shall continue to work until the primary responsibility of government—the safeguarding of every Nigerian life—is restored. Until then, we cannot truly say we have built the nation our people deserve.”
Earlier, SaharaReporters had published video footage and statements from Obi’s campaign team concerning the disruption of the visit.
In the footage, armed police personnel and other security operatives were seen blocking the main dual carriageway leading from the airport into Makurdi with heavy articulated trucks.
One of the trucks blocking the route was reportedly a haulage trailer bearing the inscription “MERCIFUL GOD.”
The presence of the security operatives and trucks reportedly prevented Obi from proceeding towards locations where internally displaced persons (IDPs) were staying.
Members of Obi’s campaign team, including aides and photographers, accused state actors of restricting his movement and alleged that the action was politically motivated.
The allegations have added to growing concerns over political tolerance and the conduct of security agencies as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general election.
The confrontation also came amid heightened tension in Benue following the Yelwata massacre, where agrarian communities were attacked by armed assailants, resulting in significant loss of lives and the displacement of thousands of residents into IDP camps.
Obi said the circumstances surrounding the incident made national unity and the protection of human life even more important, urging Nigerians to reject actions capable of aggravating political and social divisions.
The former governor’s inability to reach the affected community has consequently raised fresh questions over political freedom, security arrangements and the treatment of opposition politicians undertaking visits to communities affected by violence.