Peter Obi condemns Benue convoy blockade after protesters stopped his condolence visit, calling the incident unacceptable and politically troubling
NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the reported blockade of his convoy in Makurdi, Benue State, on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, after protesters stopped his movement during a planned visit to communities affected by recent killings.
Also read: Kwankwaso Condemns Obi’s Controversial Benue Blockade
Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, said he travelled to Benue to sympathise with victims of insecurity and show solidarity with affected families.
His convoy was reportedly stopped along Gboko Road, near the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport, where protesters barricaded the road and disrupted traffic.
The protesters were heard chanting, “We don’t want Peter Obi,” as the convoy remained unable to proceed.
Speaking at the scene, Obi alleged that youths had been mobilised to prevent him from reaching the affected communities.
“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,” Obi said.
The NDC candidate expressed frustration over the development, questioning why political differences should interfere with a condolence visit.
“I have been standing here since. We cannot have a country like this. It does not make sense to me. The rascality is totally unacceptable,” he said.
Obi said Benue residents facing insecurity needed empathy and support, arguing that people who wanted to visit communities affected by violence should be allowed to do so.
“People are being killed every day in Benue. People want to condole them and show that they are with them. I came here only to be told we cannot go in,” he added.
The circumstances surrounding the Peter Obi Benue convoy blockade have generated political reactions, particularly because the incident occurred as parties and political figures begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, Obi’s claim that the youths were sponsored by the Benue State Government had not been independently established at the time of reporting.
The development has also raised concerns about political tolerance and the freedom of movement of opposition figures, particularly during public engagements in states where political tensions are rising.
The Benue State Government had yet to publicly respond to Obi’s allegations at the time of the report.
Also read: Kwankwaso Condemns Obi’s Controversial Benue Blockade
The incident comes amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 elections and could add to wider conversations about political civility, security and the treatment of opposition politicians during visits across Nigeria.
