Benue govt behind Obi’s blockade – Sowore

Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that the Benue State Government was behind the blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy during his visit to the state, warning that such actions could escalate into political intimidation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sowore made the allegation after Obi’s convoy was reportedly blocked by a hostile crowd in Benue State on Tuesday while the former Anambra State governor was attempting to move into Makurdi.

According to Sowore, the incident was not a spontaneous protest but a planned move to prevent Obi from entering the state capital.

He said the presence of a special adviser to the Benue State Governor among those involved reinforced his belief that the action was government-sponsored.

“The clearer indication that the government was involved was actually made available by Mr. Peter Obi himself, who stated clearly that one of the special advisers to the governor was seen as part of the crowd that was chanting, ‘Peter Obi, go back,’” Sowore said.

The AAC candidate alleged that the behaviour of the crowd and the actions of security personnel at the scene suggested that those involved were known to authorities.

“My position is that nobody should be prevented from going anywhere in Nigeria. You need not doubt that this was government-sponsored. It is written all over the crowd, their conduct, and the body language of the security agencies hanging around who knew who these persons were,” he said.

Sowore accused the state government of knowing those behind the incident, alleging that the blockade was planned to stop Obi from gaining access to Makurdi.

“I think the state governor or his people have responded as expected — they know who did it, and I’m sure they were part of the planning to prevent him from entering Makurdi, and that’s a shame,” he said.

Despite his political differences with Obi, Sowore said the incident should not be viewed through the lens of party rivalry, insisting that every political actor has the right to move freely and participate in democratic activities.

He said his disagreements with Obi were based on ideology and records, not personal hostility.

“I don’t wish him death, definitely. I don’t want any harm to come upon him, any member of his delegation, or his campaign team wherever they go in Nigeria,” Sowore said.

The AAC presidential candidate further warned that the incident could be a warning sign ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying political intimidation, if allowed to continue, could worsen.

“They are just testing the waters. If this works, then nobody is safe; you will find more of these kinds of intimidation attacks, and it will quickly snowball into assassinations,” Sowore warned.

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