The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, was on Tuesday prevented from proceeding with his visit in Benue State after protesters barricaded the Gboko Road in Makurdi, the state capital.
The protesters, who chanted, “We don’t want Peter Obi,” reportedly blocked the road around the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport for several hours, causing significant traffic disruption and preventing Obi’s convoy from moving forward.
Speaking in a video shared by News Central Television on its X page, Obi said he had travelled to Benue to commiserate with victims of the killings in the state but was stopped following an order allegedly issued by a government aide.
“I was told that youths, led by an SA (Special Assistant) to the government, have decided to block the road and make sure I don’t go there,” he said.
Obi condemned the development, describing the blockade as unacceptable and accusing those behind the protest of using vulnerable youths for political purposes.
“The rascality they are bringing into this country is totally unacceptable. People are being killed every day in Benue. People want to show that they are with them, and I came here all the way this morning, a long distance, only to be told what you are seeing here,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor also expressed concern that the youths involved in the protest were being used without considering the consequences of their actions.
“These youths are being used to do this. What they are doing now will take its revenge on them. They don’t know that. And unfortunately, somebody sits in office and allows this to happen,” he stated.
Obi maintained that his visit should not have been obstructed, arguing that the young people involved in the protest were themselves victims of the poverty and insecurity affecting the country and should instead be supported with opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
He also said the state authorities were fully aware of his planned visit and that there was nothing secret about his itinerary.
“Everybody is aware I’m visiting this place today. It’s not a secret to them,” Obi said.
