Sowore criticizes blockage of Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue

Omoyele Sowore, the 2027 presidential candidate for the African Action Congress, has spoken out against the blockage of Peter Obi's convoy. Obi is the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress. The incident took place in Benue State.

Sowore shared a statement on his X account on Tuesday. He claimed the blockade looked like a planned attack on Obi as he tried to enter Makurdi, the capital of the state.

"I have watched videos showing what appears to be a sponsored blockade and attack on NDC presidential candidate @PeterObi as he attempted to enter the state capital to carry out legitimate campaign activities."

He added, "I strongly condemn these acts of political brigandage. This is totally unacceptable."

Sowore emphasized that no candidate should face violence or intimidation while campaigning anywhere in Nigeria. He warned those responsible for the attacks, saying, "They must desist immediately before it is too late."

Obi was reportedly stopped on Tuesday when protesters blocked Gboko Road in Makurdi. Videos showed young people shouting, "We don’t want Peter Obi."

The protesters set up a blockade near the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport. This stopped Obi's convoy from moving forward.

In a video shared by News Central Television on its X account, Obi explained that he went to Benue to pay condolences to victims of violence in the state. But he was stopped by a government aide’s orders.

"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," Obi said.

However, the state government denied knowing about Obi's visit. They distanced themselves from what happened.

Kula Tersoo, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, said they were not aware of Obi's trip to the state. "We are not aware of his coming to the state, and if it were to be security agents that stopped him, it would have been easy for us to find out what happened," Tersoo said.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed they knew about Obi's movement to Yelwata. Police officers were there to provide security for the convoy.

DSP Peter Aondongu, the command’s spokesperson, said the reason behind the blockade by some youths is still unclear. "The reason the convoy was blocked by some youths is still unknown. We are monitoring the situation and investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident," Aondongu stated.