Peter Obi Speaks Out on Blocked Benue Visit, Highlights Humanitarian Mission Amid Political Tensions
Makurdi, Benue State – April 14, 2025 – The former Governor of Anambra state, and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, took to X-handle today to address what he described as an attempt to obstruct his planned visit to Benue State, shedding light on the challenges he faced while trying to extend humanitarian support to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and educational institutions in the state. In a detailed post, Obi expressed his frustration over the lack of communication from the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and a subsequent press statement designed to halt his trip.
Obi, known for his consistent advocacy for Nigeria’s less privileged, revealed that his itinerary included courtesy visits to the governors of Plateau and Benue States, as well as stops at IDP camps and nursing schools to offer support. His visit to Plateau State on April 13 proceeded smoothly, with Governor Caleb Mutfwang approving for Obi to spend time at the IDP camp in Bokkos, where he interacted with victims of recent violence that claimed approximately 40 lives, primarily from Christian communities. However, his planned visit to Benue on April 14 hit a roadblock.
According to Obi, despite repeated attempts to reach Governor Alia, he was unable to secure direct communication. After contacting Alia’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC), who promised a response that never came until days later, Obi decided to proceed with his trip to Makurdi out of respect for protocol. However, at 10 a.m. on April 14, while en route from Jos through Akwanga, Obi’s security team received a press statement—later sent directly by the ADC—purportedly from the Benue State Government, which mirrored Obi’s itinerary and seemed intended to stop his visit.
“I am forced to remind them, and all concerned, that the purpose of this journey is to support good causes in areas of critical development: health and health education, education, and caring for our people in need,” Obi wrote on X, emphasizing that his actions align with his lifelong commitment to humanitarian causes, both before and during his political career. He cited his visit to Haiti during the 2010 earthquake, which required permission from then-President Goodluck Jonathan, as an example of his dedication to supporting those in crisis.
Obi’s post also hinted at the political undertones surrounding the incident. Sources suggest that the Benue State Government’s move to block his visit may be tied to Governor Alia’s efforts to distance himself from opposition figures amid rumors of his potential defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC). Alia, who has been working to maintain a strong relationship with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, reportedly viewed Obi’s visit as a potential political risk, especially given Obi’s strong performance in Benue during the 2023 presidential election, where he secured over 308,000 votes with the backing of former Governor Samuel Ortom.
The Benue State Government has yet to issue an official response to Obi’s claims, but a recent statement from the government warned against visits without the governor’s knowledge, citing security concerns. Insiders confirmed to Daily Post Nigeria that the statement was aimed at dissuading Obi, with one source noting, “The governor is not comfortable with Obi’s visit, especially with the political undertones it carries.”
Obi’s planned activities in Benue included visiting a school under construction by a bishop in Gboko, a nursing school, and an IDP camp—initiatives that align with the state’s ongoing efforts to support its displaced population. The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) recently reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with the federal government on resettling and empowering IDPs, with 14 camps currently housing displaced persons across five local government areas.
In his post, Obi called for a “new Nigeria” where humanitarian efforts are not politicized, urging leaders to prioritize the common good. “May God help us as we rebuild our nation and aim to achieve a new Nigeria where we do not politicize everything but allow citizens to exist,” he wrote, signing off with his signature phrase, “A new Nigeria is POssible.”
