Benue Govt Accuses Peter Obi Of Breaching Protocol During His Visit

The Benue State Government has denied being informed in advance about Peter Obi’s visit to the state, following an incident involving his convoy on Tuesday.

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was stopped by a group of people who blocked his convoy along Gboko Road as he tried to enter the state.

Videos posted on X by Esther Umoh, who works with Obi, showed several people chasing vehicles in the convoy.

Peter Obi later said his visit was not connected to political campaigning.

He explained that he wanted to visit and sympathise with people affected by the 2025 Yelewata massacre.

The former Anambra State governor alleged that thugs, reportedly led by an aide to Governor Hyacinth Alia, prevented him from gaining access to the state.

However, the state government rejected the allegation in a statement issued on Tuesday by Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alia.

Kula described Obi’s claims as false, describing it as an attempt to damage the governor’s reputation.

“The allegations are unfounded and desperate attempt to drag Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Benue people into what may be an internal political matter within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC),” the statement reads.

“We wish to emphatically deny that the government of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has an idea of what Mr. Obi is talking about.”

Kula also said Obi did not pose any threat to Alia, noting that security agencies were available to address any security concerns if necessary.

According to him, Governor Alia is “a peace-loving Reverend gentleman” who is committed to peace and does not “engage, patronize, or deploy thugs as instruments of governance or security”.

The governor’s spokesperson also criticised Obi for allegedly failing to notify the appropriate authorities before travelling to the state.

‘It is therefore curious that an individual presenting himself as a presidential candidate could arrive in a state without the relevant security authorities being formally informed of his movement,” he said.

Kula explained that a visit of such nature would normally require coordination with the Commissioner of Police and other relevant security agencies.

He further questioned why Obi had linked the incident to Governor Alia and the state government.

“We really find it difficult to understand the basis for Mr. Obi’s attempt to connect every fabrication with the Benue State Government, and Governor Hyacinth Alia in the first instance,” he said.

“The Alia administration will not be distracted by attempts to manufacture political controversies where none exists.

“Benue remains open to legitimate visitors, political actors and all Nigerians who come in peace.”

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