African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the reported blockade of the convoy of Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, in Makurdi, Benue State.
Sowore, in a statement posted on his X handle yesterday, alleged that the incident was a sponsored attempt to prevent Obi from entering the state capital to carry out legitimate activities.
He described the development as “political brigandage” and warned that no political candidate should be prevented from campaigning anywhere in Nigeria through violence, intimidation or alleged thuggery.
“I strongly condemn these acts of political brigandage. This is totally unacceptable,” Sowore said.
He added that those allegedly behind the incident were “toying with fire” and threatening the democratic rights of Nigerians, urging them to desist.
Obi was reportedly stopped after some youths barricaded Gboko Road in Makurdi, with videos from the scene showing protesters chanting, “We don’t want Peter Obi.”
The protesters reportedly blocked the road around the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport, preventing Obi’s convoy from proceeding.
Obi, in a video shared by News Central Television on X, said he had travelled to Benue to condole with victims of recent killings in the state but was stopped after an alleged directive from a government aide.
“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 Benue State Government denied knowledge of Obi’s visit and distanced itself from the incident.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Kula Tersoo, said the state government was unaware of the visit.
“We are not aware of his coming to the state,” Tersoo said, adding that if security agents had stopped the convoy, it would have been easier for the government to establish what happened.
The Benue State Police Command, however, said it was aware of Obi’s movement to Yelwata and that its operatives provided security for the convoy.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, said the reason some youths blocked the convoy remained unclear.
“The reason the convoy was blocked by some youths is still unknown. We are monitoring the situation and investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.
