NDC, Obidient Movement demand probe into attack on Obi’s convoy in Benue

THE Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Obidient Movement have called for an immediate investigation into the disruption of Peter Obi’s visit to Benue State, alleging that a group of suspected thugs attempted to prevent the former Anambra State governor from accessing the state.

Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, was confronted by a mob on the Gboko Road on Tuesday as his convoy approached Benue.

Videos circulated on social media showed individuals pursuing the convoy and blocking parts of the road, although the circumstances surrounding the incident remain disputed.

Obi said his trip to Benue was not connected to political campaigning but was intended to allow him sympathise with victims of the Yelewata killings in 2025.

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According to the presidential candidate, his movement was obstructed by thugs allegedly led by an aide to Governor Hyacinth Alia.

The allegation has triggered a political dispute between Obi’s supporters and the Benue State Government, which has rejected any involvement in the incident.

NDC demands investigation

The NDC condemned the disruption, describing it as unacceptable that a visit intended to commiserate with victims of violence could be obstructed.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Osa Director, said the incident reinforced concerns about the protection of citizens and political leaders in the country.

Director said although Obi was unable to gain access to the affected community, the party remained committed to expressing solidarity with the victims of the Yelewata killings.

The party urged the Benue State government and security agencies to establish what happened, identify those responsible and prosecute them if found culpable.

It also called for adequate protection for citizens and political leaders visiting communities affected by violence.

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The NDC said the incident would not discourage its efforts to promote what it described as the government’s fundamental responsibility to protect lives.

Obidient Movement alleges political interference

The Obidient Movement also condemned the incident, alleging that the disruption formed part of a broader effort to restrict Obi’s movements in Benue.

In a statement issued by its media directorate, the group described the incident as an attempt to use organised thuggery to frustrate Obi’s movement through the state.

The movement alleged that major roads around the Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport were barricaded, causing traffic disruptions as Obi’s convoy attempted to move through the area.

It further claimed that Tuesday’s incident was not the first occasion on which Obi’s visit to Benue had allegedly been obstructed.

The group referenced an earlier controversy involving warnings that Obi’s security could not be guaranteed without prior coordination with the state authorities.

It argued that Obi, as a Nigerian citizen and presidential candidate, should be able to travel freely within the country without seeking political permission.

The movement consequently demanded an end to what it called threats, highway obstruction and other actions designed to frustrate Obi’s activities.

Benue government denies involvement

The Benue State government has, however rejected the allegations against Governor Alia, saying it had no prior knowledge of Obi’s visit.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, described Obi’s claims as unfounded and accused him of attempting to drag Alia and the Benue government into what could be an internal political dispute within the NDC.

Kula said the governor was not threatened by Obi’s presence in the state and insisted that Alia does not engage in or encourage political thuggery.

According to him, security agencies were available to address any security concerns arising from Obi’s visit.

The governor’s spokesperson faulted Obi for allegedly failing to formally notify the relevant security authorities before travelling to the state.

He said visits by prominent political figures require coordination with security agencies, including the police, to ensure adequate protection.

Kula maintained that Benue remained open to political actors and other Nigerians who visit the state peacefully.

The conflicting accounts have heightened political tensions surrounding Obi’s visit, with the NDC and his supporters demanding an investigation while the state government insists it had no role in the disruption.