Bibi Condemns Obstruction Of Peter Obi’s Benue Visit, Calls For Federal Government Intervention

The Edo South Senatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Sunday Toscar Aguebor, popularly known as BIBI, has condemned the obstruction of the convoy of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State on Tuesday.

Obi’s convoy was stopped along the Gboko Road in Makurdi by a group of youths who reportedly barricaded the road as he travelled towards Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area to meet families affected by the deadly attacks in the community. Reports said the protesters chanted against Obi and prevented his convoy from proceeding.

Reacting to the incident, Aguebor described the development as unacceptable and called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the obstruction.

In a statement, Aguebor said Obi’s planned visit was intended to offer condolences and support to families affected by the killings, describing the disruption of the visit as a matter requiring urgent attention.

“This planned siege is an affront to our democracy,” Aguebor said. “All citizens of Nigeria, including opposition leaders and presidential candidates, are constitutionally guaranteed the right to free movement. To target a presidential candidate on a mission of compassion is not only reckless but a signal that the rule of law is under threat in parts of our nation.”

Aguebor urged the Federal Government to take steps to ensure the safety of political actors and other citizens, while calling for those responsible for the obstruction to be identified and held accountable if found to have violated the law.

“We cannot stand by and allow thugs and political actors to turn our highways into battlefields. The Federal Government must intervene swiftly to ensure that the perpetrators of this act are brought to justice and that such incidents never occur again,” he said.

The NDC has also called for an investigation into the incident, alleging that Obi was prevented from accessing Yelwata where he intended to sympathise with families of victims of the 2025 massacre.

However, the Benue State Government has denied involvement in the incident. The government said it had no prior knowledge of Obi’s visit and rejected allegations that it mobilised thugs to block his convoy.

The police, according to reports, were present during the incident, while the circumstances surrounding the identities and motives of those who blocked the convoy remained under investigation.

Aguebor reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful democratic participation, saying political differences should not translate into violence, intimidation or the restriction of citizens’ lawful movements.

He urged NDC members, supporters and residents of Edo South to remain calm and peaceful, stressing that the party would continue to pursue its political objectives through democratic and lawful means.

He also called on relevant authorities to ensure that political activities ahead of the 2027 elections are conducted in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance and respect for the rule of law.