Obi claimed to have been to Benue to offer condolences to the relatives of the Yelwata massacre victims. He accused suspected hired thugs of obstructing his path on the orders of a government aide.

However, the state administration denied any role in the affair, claiming that Obi was trying to stir up a political scandal and that he had not followed the proper procedure by formally informing the government of his visit. The contradictory statements surfaced concurrently with the Benue State Police Command’s confirmation that it was aware of Obi’s visit and had sent policemen to guard his movements.

However, the police stated they were looking into why several young people halted the presidential candidate’s convoy. Protesters allegedly blocked Gboko Road and screamed, “We don’t want Peter Obi,” during the event, which took place close to the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport.
Obi’s convoy was eventually compelled to return to the airport before he could return to Jos, Plateau State, due to the development, which disrupted traffic in the area for several hours. Obi had come to the state as part of a scheduled trip to Yelwata, where an attack on the hamlet in June 2025 is said to have killed over 200 people.

Speaking from the scene in a video that News Central Television shared on its X site on Tuesday, Obi claimed he was told that young people had been organised to stop him from entering the village.

“I was informed that young people, under the leadership of a government SA (Special Assistant), have chosen to block the road and ensure that I don’t go there,” he stated.

The former governor of Anambra State called the development “unacceptable,” claiming that the young people involved were already victims of poverty and insecurity and shouldn’t be used for political ends.

“The racism they are introducing into our nation is really intolerable. In Benue, people are killed on a daily basis. “People want to show that they are with them, and I travelled a great distance this morning just to be told what you are seeing here,” he remarked.  Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, intended a humanitarian visit to Yelwata, Benue State, to meet families of victims from a June 2025 attack.

However, his convoy was obstructed by youths despite police presence, raising concerns about his safety. Prof. Terhemba Shija, the party’s governorship candidate, claimed the state government was informed of the visit, while Benue State officials denied any prior knowledge, arguing that official notification was needed to guarantee security.  Despite conflicting accounts, the police confirmed that they had received notification about Obi’s visit and had arranged for his security. The situation reflects ongoing political tensions and disagreements within the state government regarding Obi’s stance and movements.

Obi, during a visit to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Jos, Plateau State, expressed concern over ongoing violence and displacements. He emphasized the government’s failure to ensure safety, urging it to end the crisis. Obi highlighted the humanitarian impact, noting that around 45,000 people are displaced, and stressed the importance of enabling their return home. He condemned the recent incident in Benue State where youths blocked his convoy, calling it an affront to democratic rights. Aondoakaa, the PDP governorship candidate, stated that all Nigerians have the constitutional right to travel and engage politically without interference.

He emphasized that any attempt to obstruct or intimidate political leaders undermines democratic principles and called for an inclusive political process. The incident, which violated a recent peace accord, threatened Benue’s reputation for hospitality. Aondoakaa and the NDC condemned the attack on Peter Obi, urging an impartial investigation and protection for all political actors. Tambuwal also criticized the obstruction as undemocratic, asserting that every citizen has the constitutional right to move freely. Various organizations echoed calls for accountability, highlighting that no one should face intimidation when exercising political rights. Reports indicated that individuals were seen blocking Obi’s convoy.

The organisations emphasized the need for an independent investigation into a troubling incident involving political actors, regardless of their affiliations. They condemned any form of violence or intimidation against lawful political activities, asserting that political disagreement should not escalate into violence. As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, they urged the police and security agencies to ensure safe political participation and warned against inflammatory rhetoric.

This incident reflects ongoing tensions between political figures, notably Obi and the Benue State Government, amidst a renewed political landscape with lifted restrictions on activities by the Independent National Electoral Commission.