‘It’s Government-Sponsored’ – Sowore Claims Benue Govt Blocked Peter Obi’s Convoy

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore has accused the Benue State Government of sponsoring the obstruction of Peter Obi’s convoy during the former Anambra State governor’s visit to the state.

Sowore made the allegation on Tuesday while reacting to the incident that prevented Obi from reaching Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Obi had travelled to the state to sympathise with families affected by the deadly attacks that occurred in the area.

The NDC presidential candidate arrived in Makurdi in the morning and headed towards Yelwata.

His movement was, however, disrupted when a group of youths reportedly barricaded the road along the Makurdi-Gboko axis, close to the Nigerian Air Force Base.

The youths reportedly chanted “Peter Obi, go back” as they prevented the convoy from moving forward.

Reports also said some members of the crowd carried sticks, while stones were thrown during the confrontation.

Obi later turned back rather than force his way through the crowd. He said his visit was humanitarian and had nothing to do with political campaigning.

The former Anambra governor also alleged that the group was led by a Special Adviser to Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.

Sowore said the circumstances surrounding the incident raised questions about the possible involvement of government officials.

“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.

“My position is that nobody should be prevented from going anywhere in Nigeria. You need not doubt that this was government-sponsored.”

Sowore further alleged that the conduct of the crowd and the presence of security personnel at the scene suggested that the people involved were not acting entirely outside the knowledge of the authorities.

“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 added.

The allegation comes amid conflicting accounts of what happened in Benue.

The Benue State Government has denied involvement in the incident. Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, said the government was not aware of Obi’s visit and rejected claims that officials had mobilised people to stop him.

Kula questioned why the state government would use thugs if it wanted to prevent Obi from visiting the state, insisting that the administration had no role in the blockade.

He said Nigerians should be able to move freely across the country regardless of their political affiliation.

He stressed that disagreements over ideology or political strategy should not be used to prevent a politician from visiting communities or interacting with citizens.

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

The AAC candidate also warned that allowing such incidents to continue could create a dangerous pattern ahead of the 2027 elections.

“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,” he said.

The incident occurred against the background of continuing insecurity in Benue State.

Yelwata was among communities affected by deadly attacks in 2025, with hundreds of people reported killed and many others displaced.

Obi said his purpose for travelling to the state was to meet affected families, mourn with them and provide support. His media office said the visit was not intended as a campaign event.

The NDC also condemned the obstruction, describing it as unacceptable and calling for an investigation by security agencies.

The party said the people affected by the violence should be allowed to receive solidarity from Nigerians regardless of political differences.

The incident has also revived memories of an earlier dispute between Obi and the Benue State Government.

In a related development, Obi’s planned visit to Benue in April 2025 was also disrupted after the state government warned against unscheduled visits and said anyone coming into the state without prior approval could not be guaranteed security.

At the time, Obi said he had intended to visit internally displaced persons and support health and education initiatives.

The Benue Government maintained that visitors to sensitive locations, including IDP camps, were required to obtain the necessary clearance.

Yesterday’s incident is therefore the second major controversy involving Obi and the Benue Government.