Peter Obi’s restraint during the Benue convoy incident has drawn praise from NDC youth leader Moses Paul, who says leadership requires self-control
National Democratic Congress (NDC) youth leader Moses Paul has praised Peter Obi for showing restraint after an incident prevented the former Anambra State governor from reaching Yelwata in Benue State on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Also read: Adamawa APC Gov Candidate Unveils Bold Agriculture Plan
Moses Paul, who said he was present during Peter Obi’s visit, described the response as an example of leadership and urged Nigerians to focus on the victims of violence rather than the political disagreement surrounding the incident.
“Leadership isn’t about showing who has the bigger crowd or the bigger force. It’s about the power of restraint,” Moses said during an interview on ARISE News on Wednesday.
The comments followed reports that Obi’s convoy was prevented from proceeding to Yelwata, where the NDC presidential candidate intended to meet families affected by recent killings in the community.
Moses argued that the central issue should be the value of the lives lost and the ability of political leaders to reach communities affected by insecurity.
“We need to get down to the crux of the matter, which has to do with the value of the human lives that are involved,” he said.
The NDC youth leader also questioned the implications for democratic participation if opposition politicians require the goodwill of incumbent authorities to access communities affected by violence.
“How do we build democracy where access to citizens, particularly those who have been slaughtered, killed, you know, without any roadblock, is now dependent upon the goodwill of incumbent authorities?” he asked.
Moses said the incident should encourage other presidential candidates to visit communities affected by insecurity and engage directly with residents and families who have suffered losses.
He recalled that Obi had previously visited Benue, where he met victims, traditional rulers and community representatives. According to Moses, the latest visit carried a different political dimension because political actors and Labour Party supporters were also involved.
The comments come amid competing accounts of the circumstances surrounding Obi’s movement in Benue.
While opposition voices have questioned why the convoy was allegedly stopped, the Benue State Government has said Obi did not obtain prior permission before attempting to visit the state.
Moses, however, drew a distinction between political events requiring security coordination and an individual’s constitutional freedom of movement.
He maintained that the need to notify security authorities during rallies or organised political activities should not be confused with a blanket restriction on movement.
The dispute has added to growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties calling for peaceful political participation and greater protection for political activities.
Also read: Adamawa APC Gov Candidate Unveils Bold Agriculture Plan
For Moses, however, the episode offers a broader lesson about leadership. His emphasis was not on confrontation but on restraint, accountability and maintaining attention on communities struggling with the consequences of violence.
