The 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the blockade of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, in Benue State.
Sowore, in a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday, alleged that the incident appeared to be a sponsored blockade and attack on Obi as he attempted to enter Makurdi, the state capital.
“I have watched videos showing what appears to be a sponsored blockade and attack on NDC presidential candidate @PeterObi as he attempted to enter the state capital to carry out legitimate campaign activities.
“I strongly condemn these acts of political brigandage. This is totally unacceptable.
“No candidate should be prevented through violence, intimidation, or sponsored thuggery from campaigning freely anywhere in Nigeria. Those behind these cowardly attacks are toying with fire and threatening the democratic rights of all Nigerians. They must desist immediately before it is too late,” he said.
Obi was reportedly stopped on Tuesday as demonstrators closed Gboko Road in Makurdi, with footage showing young people yelling, “We don’t want Peter Obi.”
Protesters stopped the route between the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport, stopping Obi’s convoy from moving.
Obi stated in a video released on News Central Television’s X that he had traveled to Benue to condole with victims of killings in the state but was halted on the orders of a government official.
“I was told that youths, led by an SA (Special Assistant) to the government, have decided to block the road and make sure I don’t go there,” Obi said.
However, the state government denied knowledge of Obi’s visit and distanced themselves from the situation.
Kula Tersoo, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, said the government was unaware of Obi’s visit to the state.
“We are not aware of his coming to the state, and if it were to be security agents that stopped him, it would have been easy for us to find out what happened,” Tersoo stated.
The Benue State Police Command also acknowledged that it was aware of Obi’s travel to Yelwata and that police officers provided security for the convoy.
DSP Peter Aondongu, the command’s spokesperson, said the reason the convoy was blocked by several teenagers was unknown.
“The reason the convoy was blocked by some youths is still unknown. We are monitoring the situation and investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Aondongu said.
