NDC National Youth Wing Coordinator Condemns Obstruction Of Peter Obi In Benue, Calls For Probe
The National Youth Wing of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has strongly condemned the reported obstruction and attack on the convoy of the party’s presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State on Tuesday.
National Coordinator of the NDC Youth Wing, Hon. Ajodo Onuh, described the incident as disturbing, unacceptable and a setback to Nigeria’s democratic values, particularly coming at a time when the nation requires greater tolerance, unity and peaceful political engagement.
Peter Obi had travelled to Benue to visit Yelwata community and identify with families and residents affected by the devastating attacks in the area. His convoy was reportedly blocked by some thugs along the Gboko-Makurdi road, preventing him from proceeding to his intended destination. The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the blockade and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Onuh said there could be no justification for using intimidation, threats or violence to prevent any Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation, from moving freely within the country or expressing solidarity with citizens affected by tragedy.
“The reported obstruction of our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benue is deeply troubling and must be condemned by every well-meaning Nigerian. Political disagreement is part of democracy, but intimidation, violence and the use of young people to obstruct lawful movement have no place in a democratic society,” Onuh said.
He stressed that Nigerian youths must refuse to be used as instruments of political violence, urging young people across the country to embrace issue-based politics, tolerance and peaceful participation in the democratic process.
According to him, the incident is particularly unfortunate because Obi’s stated purpose for visiting Yelwata was to sympathise with families affected by the tragic killings and to demonstrate solidarity with communities that have suffered enormous loss.
“The victims of the Yelwata tragedy deserve compassion, support and justice. No political consideration should stand in the way of a humanitarian gesture or an attempt to identify with grieving citizens,” he added.
The NDC Youth Wing therefore called on the relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible for acts of violence or obstruction is held accountable.
Onuh also urged political leaders to discourage acts capable of heightening tension ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that the country cannot afford a political environment where disagreement degenerates into intimidation and violence.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the NDC Youth Wing to peaceful democratic participation, grassroots mobilisation and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“We will not be intimidated, and we will not allow our youths to be turned into instruments of violence. The Nigeria we seek to build must be one where political differences are settled through dialogue, ideas and the ballot box—not through threats or force.
“Our message to Nigerian youths is clear: our future is bigger than politics, and our lives must never be sacrificed for the political interests of anyone.”
Onuh called on all stakeholders to work together to promote peace, tolerance and responsible political engagement as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 elections.
