Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly condemned the alleged obstruction of his convoy in Benue State, labeling the incident as a dangerous display of political rascality.
Obi’s convoy was blocked along Gboko Road near the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi by a chanting crowd of demonstrators and suspected thugs who attempted to prevent his entry into the state. The opposition leader was visiting Benue to offer solidarity and commiserate with families and communities affected by recent violent attacks, maintaining that his mission was strictly humanitarian rather than political.
Speaking to journalists and supporters at the scene after his vehicle was forced to halt, Obi expressed deep frustration over the breakdown of civic tolerance. He noted that citizens should be free to travel across the country and show compassion to victims of tragedy without facing orchestrated resistance.
“I am here in a place where people have been killed. I am here to commiserate with them, but now I have been told that youths sponsored by the governor have blocked the road and made sure I do not go in… We cannot have a country like this. It does not make sense to me. The rascality is totally unacceptable,” Obi stated.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage across digital and political spheres. The national leadership of the NDC issued a formal statement condemning the blockade, calling on security agencies to investigate the occurrence and guarantee the safety of public figures navigating the country.
While state police commands have confirmed monitoring the situation to maintain public order, the confrontation underscores growing political sensitivities and security challenges as the nation edges closer to the 2027 general elections.
