Obi accuses Gov Alia’s aide of blocking his visit

Nigeria Democratic Congress,NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused a Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor of mobilising youths to block his movement during a condolence visit to Yelwata and other communities affected by recent terrorist attacks in the state.
Obi, who disclosed this in a statement made available to Newsmen on Tuesday, September 8,2026, said he was in Benue State to sympathise with families who had lost more than 200 members to terrorist attacks in recent times.
According to him, he was informed that youths allegedly led by the Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia had blocked the road in an attempt to prevent him from proceeding with his visit.
Obi said he had remained at the location for some time, hoping that those involved would reconsider their action and allow him to continue with the purpose of his visit.
“I am currently in Benue State to express my condolences to the families who have lost over 200 members to terrorist attacks in recent times.
“However, I have been informed that youths, led by the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor, have blocked the road to prevent me from proceeding. I have been here for a while, hoping they would see reason.”
The former Anambra State governor expressed concern over the worsening hardship and insecurity confronting Nigerians, stressing that political differences should not prevent leaders from showing solidarity with victims of violence.
Obi said the plight of hungry and insecure Nigerians was one of the major reasons for his visit, arguing that the country must urgently create opportunities for citizens to earn a livelihood and escape poverty.
“We cannot continue like this. There are people who are hungry and insecure. These are the same people we must lift out of poverty by creating opportunities for them to earn a livelihood. That is one of the key purposes of my visit,” he said.
The development comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Obi emerging as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
His visit to Benue was reportedly intended to convey condolences to families and communities affected by the recent wave of deadly attacks in the state.
Obi’s allegation, however, centres attention on the growing intersection between political competition, security concerns and humanitarian visits as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 elections.