The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that the Benue State Government was behind the obstruction of Peter Obi’s convoy during the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate’s visit to the state.
Obi’s convoy was blocked by youths on Tuesday while he was travelling along the Makurdi-Gboko road towards Yelwata, where he planned to visit communities and families affected by the deadly attacks in the area.
Sowore, who condemned the incident, alleged that the action was politically motivated and sponsored by government interests.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Sowore said the circumstances surrounding the incident suggested that the blockade was not a spontaneous action by youths.
He also questioned the conduct of security personnel who were present around the scene.
Sowore said political differences should not prevent any Nigerian from moving freely across the country, warning that the incident could have serious implications for the 2027 elections.
Obi’s Convoy Blocked
Obi said he arrived in Benue on what he described as a humanitarian mission to visit families affected by the killings in Yelwata.
According to Obi, his convoy was stopped by youths who chanted for him to return as he attempted to proceed towards the community.
The former Anambra State governor said he decided against forcing his way through the blockade to avoid escalating the situation or putting people at risk.
He subsequently appealed to security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services, to intervene and ensure that political actors are allowed to move freely.
Obi also urged political leaders to avoid actions that could increase tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sowore Alleges Government Involvement
Reacting to the incident, Sowore said he believed the blockade was sponsored by the government.
He cited what he described as the behaviour of the crowd and the presence of security personnel at the scene as reasons for his conclusion.
Sowore also referred to allegations that a special adviser to the Benue State governor was among the people present during the incident.
Despite his political differences with Obi, Sowore said the issue should be viewed beyond party politics.
He argued that every Nigerian, including political candidates, should have the freedom to travel to any part of the country without intimidation or obstruction.
Sowore further warned that allowing political intimidation to become normal could create a dangerous environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Benue Government Denies Involvement
The Benue State Government has rejected allegations that it sponsored or organised the blockade.
The government said it had no knowledge of Obi’s visit and denied deploying thugs to stop him.
Through the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the government described the allegation as unfounded and said Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration does not use thugs as instruments of governance or security.
The government also questioned whether the appropriate security authorities had been formally notified about Obi’s movement into the state.
According to the state government, visits by prominent political figures require security coordination with the police and other relevant agencies.
It maintained that if there were disagreements involving Obi and political actors within the state, such issues should not be attributed to the state government without evidence.
Police Confirmed the Obstruction
The police confirmed that Obi’s convoy was stopped and that security personnel were providing protection to the former Anambra State governor.
However, the circumstances surrounding who organised the blockade remained unclear.
This distinction is important because the obstruction itself has been reported and witnessed, while the claim that it was organised by the Benue State Government remains an allegation.
The Benue Government has denied involvement, while Sowore and Obi have called for greater scrutiny of what happened.
Political Implications Ahead of 2027
The incident has generated reactions from opposition politicians and other public figures, with concerns that political tensions could increase as the 2027 elections approach.
Obi has called for political campaigns to focus on issues affecting Nigerians, including insecurity, poverty, hunger and unemployment, rather than confrontation among political actors.
Sowore has similarly warned against political intimidation, arguing that allowing such incidents to go unchecked could create a dangerous precedent.
The controversy also comes amid broader efforts by opposition politicians to build alliances ahead of the 2027 presidential election, making incidents involving opposition candidates particularly sensitive.
VOP TV Analysis
For VOP TV, the central question is not simply who blocked Peter Obi’s convoy, but whether political differences are beginning to threaten the freedom of movement and safety of political actors ahead of the 2027 elections.
While Sowore has alleged government involvement, the Benue State Government has denied the claim, and the police investigation and other available evidence have yet to publicly establish who organised the blockade.
The incident therefore underscores the importance of a transparent investigation.
Political competition is an essential part of democracy, but opposition candidates and their supporters must be able to campaign, travel and engage with Nigerians without intimidation or obstruction.
As preparations for the 2027 elections intensify, the responsibility rests with political leaders, security agencies and governments at all levels to ensure that disagreements do not escalate into political violence.
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