MAKURDI — The Benue State Government has denied having prior knowledge of the visit of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the state after his convoy was reportedly blocked by youths while travelling to Makurdi on Tuesday.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, was reportedly in Benue as part of a planned visit to Yelewata, where he was expected to meet families affected by the deadly attacks that claimed several lives in the community in June 2025.

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However, reports indicated that Obi’s convoy was stopped by some youths at Gyado along the Gboko Road, preventing him from proceeding to his intended destination.

Benue Govt: We Were Not Informed

Reacting to the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Kula Tersoo, said the state government was unaware of Obi’s arrival in Benue.

“We are not aware of his coming to the state,” Tersoo said.

The governor’s spokesman also questioned the level of security provided for Obi, arguing that as a former governor and presidential candidate, he should have been given adequate security protection.

According to him, the host state ought to have been notified ahead of such a visit to enable the relevant authorities to make appropriate security arrangements.

Tersoo also rejected allegations that the youths who reportedly blocked Obi’s convoy were acting on behalf of the state government.

“Our government doesn’t patronise thugs and in any case Obi is not a threat to the governor,” he said.

He added that he only became aware of Obi’s presence in the state through reports concerning the incident.

Kwankwaso Condemns Obstruction

Meanwhile, the NDC vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has condemned the reported obstruction of Obi’s convoy and called for those responsible to be identified and prosecuted.

Kwankwaso, in a statement posted on his official X account, described the incident as disturbing and alleged that unnamed individuals had mobilised “unruly elements” to prevent Obi from entering Makurdi.

“I am deeply disturbed by the attack on the convoy of our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as he travelled to Benue State,” Kwankwaso said.

He stressed that freedom of movement is guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and should apply to Obi as a former governor and opposition presidential candidate.

Kwankwaso urged the Benue State Government to immediately investigate the incident, identify those involved and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted.

Kwankwaso Appeals to Tinubu

The former Kano State governor also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution state governors, particularly those elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), against actions that could restrict political activities and democratic freedoms.

“I further urge the president to caution state governors, particularly those in his party, against any actions that could undermine the sanctity of our democracy,” he said.

Kwankwaso further called on diplomatic missions, international organisations and election observation groups to take note of the incident and encourage Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law and protect opposition political figures.

The controversy comes amid heightened concerns over insecurity in Benue State, where Obi has previously visited communities affected by attacks and called for stronger measures to protect residents.

The circumstances surrounding Tuesday’s incident, including the identity and motive of the youths who reportedly blocked Obi’s convoy, remain a subject of contention, with the state government denying involvement and the NDC demanding an investigation.