By Henryrich Ojo | Newsworld

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has released a letter indicating that the Benue State Police Command was formally notified ahead of Peter Obi’s visit to the state, contrary to claims that no prior security arrangement had been made for the presidential candidate.

Valentine Obienyem, spokesman for the NDC presidential candidate, shared the letter on social media following the disruption of Obi’s planned visit to Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Seyi Makinde Won’t Be on 2027 Presidential Ballot, Journalist Predicts

Obi’s convoy was reportedly blocked by suspected thugs while heading to the community on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, forcing the former Anambra State governor and his entourage to turn back.

The incident sparked a dispute between the NDC and the Benue State Government over whether authorities were adequately informed about the visit.

The state government had accused Obi of failing to notify Governor Hyacinth Alia and the state government of his planned visit, arguing that adequate security arrangements could not have been made without prior notification.

However, the letter released by Obienyem showed that the Benue State Commissioner of Police was notified on September 7, a day before Obi’s planned visit.

The letter was signed by the NDC Chairman in Benue State, Ohini Ojegbe, and was addressed to the Commissioner of Police.

It stated that Obi was scheduled to arrive in Makurdi at about 8 a.m. on September 8 and proceed directly from the airport to Yelwata.

“I respectfully write to notify your office that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, His Excellency Peter Obi, will be coming to Benue State on Tuesday, 8th September 2026. He is scheduled to arrive in Makurdi at about 8 a.m. and will immediately proceed from the Airport to Yelwata to meet with family members and representatives of the community affected by the 2025 massacre,” the letter stated.

Police Acknowledge Receipt

The document indicated that the police received and acknowledged the letter on the same day it was submitted.

An officer identified as Daniel Tarwa, a Superintendent of Police, signed the acknowledgement.

Tarwa subsequently confirmed to Premium Times on Wednesday that the police had indeed received the NDC’s notification concerning Obi’s visit.

He also confirmed that the police provided security cover for the presidential candidate.

The development appears to contradict the impression that the police were unaware of Obi’s planned movement to Yelwata.

Obi Planned Memorial Visit

According to the letter, Obi’s visit was not intended as a political rally but as a visit to families and representatives of the community affected by the 2025 Yelwata massacre.

The NDC chairman also informed the police that the presidential candidate planned to visit a memorial site, pay his respects to victims and lay a wreath in their honour.

The party said the visit was expected to be brief.

“The visit will be very brief as the Presidential Candidate and his entourage will leave Yelwata and Benue State immediately after the visit, before noon,” Ojegbe stated.

The NDC chairman subsequently requested security protection for Obi and members of his entourage.

“We request you to kindly provide security cover for him and his entourage,” he added.

Dispute Over Benue Visit

The release of the letter has intensified the disagreement over the circumstances surrounding the disruption of Obi’s visit.

While the Benue State Government maintained that the state authorities were not informed and that no adequate security arrangements had been made, the NDC document indicates that the state police command had been formally notified.

The police confirmation that it received the letter and provided security coverage has further added to the debate over what happened before Obi’s convoy was stopped.

The circumstances surrounding the alleged obstruction remain a subject of controversy, with calls for authorities to establish who blocked the convoy and why the presidential candidate was prevented from reaching Yelwata.