JOS, Plateau State — September 8, 2026: Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has arrived in Jos, the Plateau State capital, following a dramatic incident in neighbouring Benue State where his convoy was reportedly prevented from proceeding to communities affected by recent violence.
Obi had travelled to Benue as part of a planned visit to communities affected by deadly attacks, with the intention of expressing condolences to families who lost loved ones and showing solidarity with residents affected by insecurity.
However, the planned visit was disrupted after youths gathered along the Gboko Road axis of Makurdi, close to the Nigerian Air Force Base and the Makurdi Airport, effectively blocking the route being used by Obi’s convoy.
The development reportedly resulted in significant traffic disruption as the convoy was unable to proceed towards its intended destination.
Videos circulating from the scene showed a large gathering of youths on the road, with some carrying sticks and other objects. Security personnel were also seen around the area as tensions mounted.
Obi subsequently accused individuals linked to the Benue State Government of mobilising youths to prevent him from reaching the affected communities.
According to him, his visit was not intended to be a campaign activity but a humanitarian trip to sympathise with victims of violence.
He expressed disappointment that political considerations could allegedly interfere with a visit intended to console grieving families.
Obi also criticised what he described as the use of young Nigerians for political purposes, arguing that many of the youths being mobilised for confrontations are themselves affected by poverty, unemployment and insecurity.
He maintained that young people should instead be empowered through employment and economic opportunities.
The former Anambra State governor further argued that political differences should not prevent public figures from visiting communities affected by violence or expressing solidarity with victims.
Benue Government Denies Involvement
The Benue State Government has denied involvement in the obstruction.
Government officials said they were not aware of Obi’s visit and maintained that the state government does not sponsor or patronise political thuggery.
The government also argued that adequate security arrangements are necessary whenever a high-profile political figure visits the state and suggested that appropriate notification should have been provided ahead of the trip.
The disagreement has therefore produced conflicting accounts over whether the authorities were informed about Obi’s movement and what led to the road blockade.
The police have also indicated that the circumstances surrounding the incident require investigation.
Obi Heads to Plateau
Following the disruption in Benue, Obi proceeded to Plateau State, arriving in Jos later in the day.
His arrival in Plateau comes as political activities and engagements intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The incident in Benue has also generated renewed debate over political tolerance, freedom of movement and the responsibilities of political actors and government authorities during an increasingly competitive political season.
Obi’s supporters have condemned the blockade, describing it as an unacceptable attempt to prevent a presidential candidate from moving freely and visiting communities affected by insecurity.
Those defending the Benue Government, however, have maintained that security and proper official coordination must be considered whenever a prominent political figure enters the state.
For now, questions remain over who organised the youths at the roadblock, why the convoy was stopped and whether further official action will follow.
The incident has added another layer of political tension to the relationship between Obi and authorities in Benue, while his subsequent arrival in Plateau keeps attention focused on his ongoing engagements across the North-Central region.